Alberta government announces indefinite freeze on industrial carbon price

Alberta Premier Daniel Smith announced at a news conference in Edmonton that his government will fix the industrial carbon price at $95 per tonne of emissions starting today.

Smith said the decision is necessary to maintain industry competitiveness and protect jobs as Canada grapples with a tariff dispute with the United States.

“With a change of government across the border, it’s essential that we have a carbon pricing system that makes sense, not one that shuts our industries out of global markets,” he added. “We’re providing stability, certainty and economic support for businesses that create value across Canada, and we’re supporting energy producers whose expertise and innovation are shaping the future of the world’s energy.”

The price was previously set to rise to $110 per tonne in 2026 and $170 per tonne by 2030.

Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schultz also said:
“If we go above $100 per tonne, our province will become very uncompetitive.”

She stressed that the freeze on price increases does not mean abandoning emissions reduction goals, adding:
“We are a leader in developing energy and natural resources, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our goal is not to punish industries; we want to allow them to grow, increase production, and at the same time help reduce global emissions.”

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