Abstract
The federal government’s announcement of a nation-wide price on carbon in October 2016 has essentially left Canadian provinces with two options for meeting the national requirement: a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade program. Some provinces have already implemented these instruments, while others have chosen alternative mechanisms such as energy efficiency programs. This presentation will describe the current policies in place across Canada, and the scope for emission reductions from pricing relative to other policies. It will assess the provincial GHG emissions coverage (quantity of emissions priced) that different pricing policies offer, focusing on the implications of the federally mandated minimum price. The implications for the resource industry, including competitiveness impacts, will be discussed as well.
Biography
Jennifer Winter (PhD, Calgary) is an Assistant Professor and Scientific Director of the Energy and Environmental Policy research division at The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary. Her research focuses on the effects of government regulation and policy on energy development and the associated consequences and trade-offs. Current research projects are social impacts of hydraulic fracturing, comparing provincial emission-reduction policies, and federalism and climate policy. She has testified to the Senate of Canada on emissions pricing policies based on her work in this area, and has advised the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada in several capacities. Dr. Winter is actively engaged in increasing public understanding of energy and environmental policy issues; recognition of her efforts include a 2014 Young Women in Energy Award, being named one of Alberta Oil Magazine’s Top 35 Under 35 in 2016, and one of Avenue’s Calgary Top 40 Under 40 in 2017. Dr. Winter serves on the Future Leaders Board of Directors of the World Petroleum Council Canada and the advisory committee of the Alberta Narrative Project, and is a member of Global Affairs Canada’s Environmental Assessment Advisory Group.
