The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers has proposed a six-point approach to enable Canada “to share its energy prosperity abroad and drive to a lower-carbon economy at home.”
The group made its recommendations, which it said are based on “an analysis and forthcoming report,” the day before Natural Resources Canada opened a 2-day forum in Winnipeg “to explore Canada’s path to affordable energy, the next generation in technology and innovation, energy governance, and Canada’s role in the global energy transition.”
CAPP called on the federal government to create “a national vision for oil and gas development” that focuses on “accessing world markets, effective regulatory outcomes, a commitment to innovation, global climate leadership, and enabling a fiscal framework to achieve the vision.”
It also called for a national, clean-energy task force that includes oil and natural gas and is committed to research and development and a fiscal framework that encourages investment in Canadian oil and gas innovation.
Recommending “a competitive, equivalent climate-leadership plan,” the industry group said the approach should be “balanced” and include “an equivalency basis including Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario, where there is a price on carbon.”
CAPP said trade policy should recognize the oil and gas industry’s exposure to international pressures to “prevent carbon leakage” and preserve competitiveness of Canadian producers.
It called for “an effective and efficient, outcomes-based approach to regulation,” which it said will improve access to new customers and encourage investment.
And it urged improvement in market access “to ensure Canadian oil and natural gas production can reach more customers.”