The federal government’s recent deal with Alberta is sparking concerns about Quebec’s separatist movement. Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault believes that rolling back climate commitments may fuel separatist sentiments in Quebec. He expressed this view on CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live.
Guilbeault recently stepped down from his role in the cabinet after Ottawa’s agreement with Alberta to move forward with a new pipeline project. This agreement includes a pause on the federal oil and gas emissions cap, which was initially introduced when Guilbeault served as the environment minister. He criticizes the federal government’s approach, suggesting past attempts to strengthen ties with Alberta, like the Trans Mountain Expansion, have failed to ease western alienation.
He pointed out that Alberta’s frustration is growing, but the separatist movement in Quebec is more organized and politically entrenched. The Parti Québécois is gaining traction in polls ahead of its upcoming election, with its leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon promising a referendum on Quebec sovereignty.
Quebec pioneered carbon pricing with its cap-and-trade system in 2013, while other provinces have since dropped similar initiatives. This focus on climate shows a strong environmental commitment in Quebec, contrasting with the federal government’s recent shifts.
Following the deal with Alberta, Prime Minister Mark Carney also suspended other significant climate policies, including the consumer carbon tax, on his first day in office. This raised eyebrows among environmentalists who see it as a weakening of the nation’s climate leadership.
To make matters more complex, Alberta’s government has announced changes to its industrial carbon pricing, which critics fear may undermine progress on emissions reductions. Guilbeault remains skeptical about Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s intentions, implying that true commitment is lacking.
In a recent poll, around 40% of Quebec residents support the idea of sovereignty, indicating that the separatist sentiment is alive and well. The Bloc Québécois, a federal political party advocating for Quebec’s interests, is also positioning itself as a leader in environmental policy, particularly in light of the federal agreement with Alberta.
Historically, Quebec has had a robust political movement focused on sovereignty, often using referendums to gauge public support. The current political landscape in both Quebec and Alberta reflects ongoing tensions about representation and governance within Canada.
For more insights on this evolving situation, check authoritative sources like CBC or The Globe and Mail.
