Letter from Canada: The coming energy war

Conflict between the federal government and Alberta’s new premier seems inevitable

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wasted no time during her election victory speech in the early hours of 30 May in throwing down the gauntlet to Ottawa about two of its proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction programmes: a net-zero power grid by 2035, and an oil and gas sector emissions cap in 2030, with drafts to be released shortly and in the autumn, respectively. “As premier, I cannot under any circumstances allow these contemplated federal policies to be inflicted upon Albertans,” she declared. “I simply cannot, and I will not.” “There is a big fight coming up” Smith, Alberta premier In contrast, the two federal ministers responsible for the policies attempted to turn down