Court decisions forced some rethink of oil, gas emissions cap, minister says

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says two recent court decisions striking down some federal environment policies delayed plans to implement a cap on emissions from oil and gas production.

Guilbeault in is Dubai for the annual global climate pact talks taking place over the next two weeks.

Guilbeault said earlier this week that the framework outlining the Liberals’ long-promised oil and gas cap is likely to be published during COP28.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who will meet with Guilbeault in Dubai during the event, has promised to fight any emissions cap on oil and gas as an intrusion on provincial jurisdiction over natural resources.

Guilbeault says two recent court decisions that touched on federal and provincial jurisdiction did force him to go back and make sure the proposed cap won’t intrude on that jurisdiction.

One decision overturned parts of the federal environmental review process and another struck down the designation of manufactured plastic items as being toxic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 1, 2023.

Mia Rabson, The Canadian Press

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. An earlier version carried a headline that referred to multiple Supreme Court decisions.