Canadians understand that pollution is not free, and that when it comes to climate change, doing nothing will cost us all. That's why the Government of Canada took action to make sure that there is a price on carbon pollution across the country. Pollution pricing will help to protect Canadians from the costs and dangers presented by climate change and support the transition towards a more innovative low-carbon economy, while ensuring that polluters pay.

"Climate change is real and Canadians right across the country are seeing its effects. Alberta's decision to use carbon pollution pricing to address industry emissions makes sense—it's the most economically efficient way to reduce carbon pollution while making sure that industry can continue to compete and succeed. As Albertans join other Canadians in helping reduce the carbon pollution that causes climate change, everyone will benefit."

- The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

"Canada's Climate Plan gives provinces the flexibility to design a carbon pricing system that best meets their unique needs while ensuring all systems are stringent, fair, and efficient. We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta to ensure the federal and provincial pricing systems function well together. It's good news that Alberta's government has adopted an effective price on carbon pollution for its industry sectors, building on over a decade of experience with pricing pollution from industry in the province."

- The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"Canada's approach is to give provinces the flexibility to design a carbon pricing system that best meets their unique needs. Today's announcement is a great example of how we can effectively work together – and we are committed to working closely with the Government of Alberta and all provinces as partners in the global fight against climate change."

- The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

• Not taking action on climate change has costs. More frequent and extreme weather events due to climate change are already costing Canadians billions of dollars a year in insurance expenses. Across the country, Canadians have experienced first-hand the results of devastating wildfires, extreme flooding, severe droughts and stronger storms.

• Pricing carbon pollution has a proven record across Canada and around the world—reducing the carbon emissions that cause climate change while encouraging innovation and maintaining strong economic growth.

• The bulk of the proceeds the federal government collects from Alberta through the fuel charge will be returned directly to Alberta's individuals and families through Climate Action Incentive payments. Most households will receive more in Climate Action Incentive payments than they incur in total costs resulting from pollution pricing.

• Last year, those provinces with a longstanding price on carbon pollution—British Columbia and Quebec—were among the top performers in gross domestic product growth across Canada.

Related products

• Draft Regulations Amending Various Regulations Relating to Part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and Explanatory Notes

Associated links

• Government of Canada Announces Intent to Apply Pollution Pricing in Alberta
• Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act

Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Director of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Finance
pierre-olivier.herbert@canada.ca
613-369-5696

Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000

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