I recognize this is a pretty important
Canadian discussion we are having. And in some ways, long overdue. I hope it proceeds in as honest and constructive fashion as possible. The last things we need are more misunderstanding.
1/x #cdnpoli http://globalnews.ca/news/6178201/blanchet-kenney-equalization-payments/

1/x #cdnpoli http://globalnews.ca/news/6178201/blanchet-kenney-equalization-payments/
I am hopeful M Blanchet brings a fresh approach to Parliament, a renewed engagement in the wider national discussion and range of topics rather than a detached Bloc interested in only a subset of topics.
2/x #cdnpoli
2/x #cdnpoli
I do not understand what Blanchet means by:
âą âCanada does not send a cheque to Quebec. Thatâs not true. That simply does not exist.â
âąâQuebec contributes more to federal income than Alberta does.â
âą âWe would do better by ourselves without your oil, without your money.â
3/x
âą âCanada does not send a cheque to Quebec. Thatâs not true. That simply does not exist.â
âąâQuebec contributes more to federal income than Alberta does.â
âą âWe would do better by ourselves without your oil, without your money.â
3/x
Of course Québec receives a very large annual equalization payment from Canada, the largest of any province, etc etc. This year it will be $13 billion, part of $25 billion in major transfer payments from the Canadian govt to the Québec govt.
4/x #cdnpoli
https://www.fin.gc.ca/fedprov/mtp-eng.asp#Quebec
4/x #cdnpoli
https://www.fin.gc.ca/fedprov/mtp-eng.asp#Quebec
Is M Blanchet disputing there is a âchequeâ versus some other form of transaction? I donât know the form of it and I doubt it matters whether a cheque, electronic transfer, or entry amongst the myriad of transfers amongst our govts. But a payment, yes for sure.
5/x #cdnpoli
5/x #cdnpoli
Likewise, it is pretty obviously true that Albertans contribute the most to the federal pot, and get the least back in return. Residents of ON, BC and SK are also net contributors. This is Canadian fiscal federalism.
https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/201701E#a2
6/x #cdnpoli
https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/201701E#a2
6/x #cdnpoli
It is not fiscal federalism per se that Albertans are complaining about these days. It is two other aspects of
âs federal bargain:
7/x #cdnpoli

7/x #cdnpoli
âą the authority of each province (s.92A) to develop and manage their non-renewable natural resources
âą the authority of the federal govt (s.92.10) to regulate interprovincial pipelines (and more broadly, internal trade s.121)
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-4.html#docCont
8/x #cdnpoli
âą the authority of the federal govt (s.92.10) to regulate interprovincial pipelines (and more broadly, internal trade s.121)
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-4.html#docCont
8/x #cdnpoli
The ongoing dispute between Québec and Alberta is all the more distressing as Québecers and Albertans tend to agree on the importance of provincial rights and autonomy, and on the need for Ottawa to respect those core elements of Canadian federalism.
9/x #cdnpoli
9/x #cdnpoli
Equally confusing is M. Blanchetâs statement âwe would do better by ourselves without your oil, without your moneyâ.
IMO Québec was very smart to have had the vision, courage, foresight to have developed its massive clean, renewable hydroelectric resources.
10/x #cdnpoli
IMO Québec was very smart to have had the vision, courage, foresight to have developed its massive clean, renewable hydroelectric resources.
10/x #cdnpoli
But even with all that fantastic electricity, even with its plans to continue electrifying its economy, 56% of QuĂ©becâs daily energy consumption remains in the form of petroleum and natural gas.
https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/nrg/ntgrtd/mrkt/nrgsstmprfls/qc-eng.html
11/x #cdnpoli
https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/nrg/ntgrtd/mrkt/nrgsstmprfls/qc-eng.html
11/x #cdnpoli
And, when QuebĂ©c buys energy from Alberta or SK it has secure, affordable energy from partners who recycle proceeds back across Canadaâs economy via jobs, services, taxes, dividends, equalization etc.
No, M Blanchet, QC is not better off without ABâs oil.
12/x #cdnpoli
No, M Blanchet, QC is not better off without ABâs oil.
12/x #cdnpoli
Instead of arguing, how about collaboration?
Alberta could use more support from Canada in two areas:
âą moving Western
energy products safely and efficiently to markets at home and abroad
âą transitioning Western
oil and natural gas to the âworldâs cleanestâ
13/x #cdnpoli
Alberta could use more support from Canada in two areas:
âą moving Western

âą transitioning Western

13/x #cdnpoli
QuĂ©bec investors and engineers have long been part of Albertaâs oil sands success. Energy companies are among Canadaâs biggest spenders on cleantech and clean energy R&D, as they work at dramatically reduce GHG emissions. QuĂ©becâs best brains must be part of this.
14/x #cdnpoli
14/x #cdnpoli
Today, Canadaâs oil and gas industry emits 195 Mt/year of GHG - over 25% of Canadaâs total emissions. Itâs not rocket science to appreciate Canadaâs goal of reducing annual GHG by 200 Mt requires change in this industry - which oil and gas leaders are committed to.
15/x #cdnpoli
15/x #cdnpoli
Steve Laut, exec vice chair of
âs largest oil and gas producer CNRL, re net zero emissions in upstream production:
âThat's what we're trying to do; take it from 100 to 60 to 0. And I think we can do it...technology can make it happen.â
https://www.resourceworks.com/more-canada
16/x #cdnpoli

âThat's what we're trying to do; take it from 100 to 60 to 0. And I think we can do it...technology can make it happen.â
https://www.resourceworks.com/more-canada
16/x #cdnpoli
âSuncorâs GHG intensity was approximately 10% lower than its intensity in 2014...Suncor has a stated goal to reduce the GHG intensity of its operations by 30% compared to 2014 by 2030.â
17/x #cdnpoli https://www.jwnenergy.com/article/2019/7/suncor-canadian-natural-decrease-ghg-intensity-2018/
17/x #cdnpoli https://www.jwnenergy.com/article/2019/7/suncor-canadian-natural-decrease-ghg-intensity-2018/
âSuncor Energy Inc, Canadaâs second-largest oil sands producer, will invest $1.4 billion to install two cogeneration units at its Oil Sands Base Plant, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25%â
18/x #cdnpoli
https://business.financialpost.com/commodities/energy/canadas-suncor-to-install-cogeneration-units-at-oil-sands-plant-for-c1-4-bln-2
18/x #cdnpoli
https://business.financialpost.com/commodities/energy/canadas-suncor-to-install-cogeneration-units-at-oil-sands-plant-for-c1-4-bln-2
âImperial supports the Paris Agreement as an important framework for addressing risks of climate change...research positioned company well for the challenge of providing reliable, affordable, responsible energy in a lower-carbon futureâ
19/x #cdnpoli https://www.imperialoil.ca/en-CA/Sustainability/Environment/Energy-and-carbon-summary
19/x #cdnpoli https://www.imperialoil.ca/en-CA/Sustainability/Environment/Energy-and-carbon-summary
MEG Energy CEO Derek Evans:
âWe're going to focus on net-zero emissions because we believe that's the end game and that's where we need to get to as quickly as possibleâ
20/x #cdnpoli https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/meg-energy-net-zero-oilsands-christina-lake-1.5303409
âWe're going to focus on net-zero emissions because we believe that's the end game and that's where we need to get to as quickly as possibleâ
20/x #cdnpoli https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/meg-energy-net-zero-oilsands-christina-lake-1.5303409
So, M Blanchet, regarding your statement âIf they were attempting to create a green state, I might be tempted to help them. If they are trying to create an oil state in Western
, they cannot expect any help from us.â
Alberta is both. And does want your help.
22/22 #cdnpoli

Alberta is both. And does want your help.
22/22 #cdnpoli