Overview
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced an indefinite freeze on the province's industrial carbon price, halting it at $95 per tonne effective immediately.
- The carbon price was previously scheduled to rise to $110 per tonne in 2026 and $170 per tonne by 2030 under an agreement with Ottawa.
- Smith justified the freeze as necessary to protect Alberta's industries and jobs, referencing economic pressures from U.S. tariffs and global competition.
- Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz stated that exceeding $100 per tonne would render Alberta's industries uncompetitive but emphasized the province's continued focus on emissions reduction.
- Revenue from the TIER program, which charges emitters for exceeding limits, will still fund technology-driven initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.