Canada’s PM faces criticism for environmental policy U-turn, including pipeline deal and carbon tax removal, prompting cabinet resignations.
MONTREAL: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faces mounting criticism over his government’s environmental policy reversal since taking office in March.
Critics accuse Carney of betraying climate change commitments while supporters argue he’s responding to economic pressures from US trade policies.
The Liberal Party leader immediately scrapped predecessor Justin Trudeau’s unpopular carbon tax upon assuming power.
He subsequently established a Major Projects Office to accelerate initiatives strengthening Canada’s economic sovereignty against US tariff impacts.
Mining and natural gas projects received early approval despite environmental concerns.
Carney struck a deal with Alberta’s conservative government on Thursday to advance a new oil pipeline while increasing overall oil and gas production.
“Canada and Alberta are striking a new partnership to build a stronger, more sustainable, and more independent Albertan and Canadian economy,” Carney said.
The agreement marks a significant departure from Trudeau’s decade-long environmental policies.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith noted “the tone of federal government has done a 180 in the last year.”
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault resigned hours after the pipeline deal signing, stating key green policies were being “dismantled” under Carney.
Carney previously served as UN climate envoy and worked on mobilizing finance for Paris Agreement goals before entering politics.
The proposed pipeline would transport bitumen to Canada’s northwest Pacific coast with a new port for oil tankers.
Carney argued increased Asian oil exports would reduce dependence on the United States while oil companies would pay industrial carbon taxes funding cleaner energy.
Sierra Club Canada’s Conor Curtis described an “erosion of climate policy” under the new government.
Former petroleum industry leader Tim McMillan said Carney had “no choice but to embrace the oil sector” given economic pressures.
Guilbeault acknowledged Trump caused “profound disruptions” in Canada’s key economic relationship before his resignation. – AFP
