Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources: Study of a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap for the Oil and Gas Sector

Abstract

This paper dissects 53 witnesses and 12 briefs submitted to the Canadian Federal government in 2021 that discuss the possibility of implementing a greenhouse gas emissions cap for the oil and gas sector. Research institutions, scholars, corporations, and non-governmental organizations presented their opinions. I have differentiated them into three broad categories: 1) Supportive of cap on production + Just Transition framework; 2) Supportive of cap on emissions + technology; and 3) Not supportive of cap in general. Grouping different actors displays that there is most support for a federal cap on production + Just Transition. However, these perspectives are overlooked, evident by the Liberal government's decision to implement a cap on emissions and neglect Just Transition principles. While the government made efforts to democratically listen to diverse voices, it failed to implement these perspectives in its final plan. Thus, I worry about the future of Canadian climate policy and its ability to truly represent the interests and concerns of Canadians.