Web-based public consultation on a new British Columbia Climate Leadership Plan is launched

             B.C. Climate Leadership Team GHG emission forecast

B.C. government is currently working on a new Climate Leadership Plan, which is due out this spring. Environment Minister Mary Polak released the report of the province’s Climate Leadership Team, which members included experts from the business, academic and environmental communities as well as representatives from the provincial government, First Nations and local governments.

New Alberta climate change strategy includes carbon tax and cap on oilsands emissions

Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan accelerates the transition from coal to renewable electricity sources, puts a price on carbon pollution for everyone, and sets emissions limits for the oil sands. Other measures include broad programs to improve energy efficiency, support green technological innovations, reduce methane, and provide supports to ensure that families and small businesses are protected.

Alberta increases province’s carbon levy to $30 in 2017

Alberta government announced plans to increase province’s carbon levy on January 1 from its current $15 per tonne to $20, before a further hike to $30 in 2017. The hikes will coincide with a near doubling of efficiency targets large polluters must meet. Companies will also be required to reduce emissions by 20 per cent over time, compared with a 12-per-cent target today. 

Model for the world - British Columbia significantly reduced its fossil fuel use by adopting a carbon tax

In 2008 British Columbia (B.C.) became the first jurisdiction in North America to adopt an economy-wide carbon tax. Stewart Elgie, a professor  at University of Ottawa, describes  the results of that tax as “remarkable”, because the move towards low carbon economy was achieved without harming province's economy. The carbon tax is revenue neutral, meaning every dollar generated by the tax is returned to tax payers through reductions in other taxes.