A handful of oil and gas CEOs are doing everything in their power to block our best shot at meeting Canada’s climate goals — and we’re running out of time to push back. 

Very soon, the federal government is expected to release a draft outlining new regulations for a cap on oil and gas sector emissions. 

7 in 10 Canadians support the government’s plans to implement a strong emissions cap — a heck of a lot more than a few profit-driven CEOs [1].

We only have a small window of opportunity to ensure the federal government delivers a strong emissions cap.

If thousands of Canadians speak up now and remind decision makers they were elected on a promise to represent our best interests and fight for a climate-safe future, we can hold them accountable to fight for a strong emissions cap. Will you send a message to Ottawa?

The oil and gas industry is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Canada  — their emissions have risen more than emissions in any other sector of the economy: 88% since 1990 [2]. Without a strong emissions cap, they will continue to pollute — while the rest of us bear the burden. 

A cap on emissions would send a loud message to oil and gas companies that their business-as-usual days are numbered — and it’s time to get serious about transitioning to renewable energy.

A strong emissions cap will:

• create new jobs in the renewable energy sector (outstripping job losses in oil and gas) and free up billions in tax dollars that are currently propping up the fossil fuel industry.
• reduce energy costs by accelerating the transition to cost-saving renewable energies such as wind, solar, and existing hydro. 
• provide a reality check for provincial governments and power utilities that are currently pursuing costly wildcard energy solutions (i.e., carbon capture and storage, small modular nuclear reactors) and new investments in fossil fuel infrastructure that are destined to become stranded assets.

It’s time to make sure the selfish demands of a few loud CEOs don’t overshadow the well-being and safety of all people in Canada. So what do you say? Will you join us in telling your local MP—and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—to deliver a hard cap on emissions?

Sources
[1] New poll finds 7 in 10 Canadians want oil and gas emissions cap to ensure industry takes on its fair share of climate action
[2] Greenhouse gas emissions – Canada.ca

Learn more about the emissions cap at beyondclimatepromises.ca and cappollution.ca
Still have questions? Get in touch: atlantic@sierraclub.ca