As COP26 meets, Alberta’s energy sector reaffirms commitment to low-carbon, net-zero future

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Deborah Yedlin, issued the following statement on the federal announcement at COP26 and province's emissions reduction investment:

Calgary, November 1, 2021 – “Industry and government leaders agree climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and addressing the challenge requires effective policies and technologies now. Today’s announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) is significant. However, for Canada to lead the way as the first major oil-producing country to cap emissions from the oil and gas sector to achieve net zero by 2050, government must provide regulatory certainty and support sector innovation.

“Today’s federal announcement sends a clear message about the pace and scale of innovation needed to achieve climate targets. Government, industry and academia have a productive history of working together to address climate change marked by historic partnerships like the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA). From 2005 to 2016, Alberta’s energy sector reduced emissions intensity by 15 per cent with the province and industry launching work to introduce an oilsands emissions cap in 2015. The Pathways to Net Zero initiative is a more recent example of work underway with five of the largest oil sands producers. This unprecedented collaboration to meet ambitious emissions goals will further drive innovation and attract investment. Today’s commitment from the Government of Alberta, announcing funding for emissions-reduction projects, is another encouraging sign governments and industry are at the table, taking action, to reduce the long-term impacts of climate change.

“Now, more than ever, collaboration between federal and provincial governments, industry and post-secondary institutions is required to provide certainty and support for the long-term investments required to address climate change. The Calgary Chamber continues its work with industry and governments to address climate change and sustainably develop our resources, while ensuring certainty and stability for business, a just transition and support to develop, attract and retain talent and skills that will power our economic future.”

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 130 years, the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers and inspires the world.

For media inquiries, please contact Arianne Brady, Communications Manager, at media@calgarychamber.com or at 403-750-0414.