Climate debates will be Canadian election issue

Significance

The pipeline would run from Alberta via Saskatchewan and Manitoba down through the United States, finishing in Texas. Its construction was again delayed after the November judgment that a new environmental assessment was required. This ruling will have widespread domestic effects and, alongside oil prices, foreshadows the importance of energy and related issues in the 2019 federal election. Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urging him to discuss Canada’s energy industry difficulties including low oil prices at their December 7 First Ministers’ Meeting.

Impacts

• Alberta will reduce oil production; even if profits rise, business will be concerned with the government’s market interventions.
• Alberta’s New Democratic Party will likely be defeated by the United Conservative Party in 2019.
• Quebec will capitalise on the pro-sustainable energy shift by exporting hydroelectric power to Canadian provinces and US states.