MB: Manitoba Introduces Climate and Green Plan
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On October 27, the Government of Manitoba released its Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan. The plan is built on the strategic pillars of climate, jobs, water and nature, and includes 16 keystones for priority action that will support Manitoba’s economy and sustain the environment for future generations.
The plan sets out carbon pricing with a low and level price of $25 per tonne, beginning next year. According to the Manitoba government, this is half the amount mandated by the federal government and it will give Manitoba the second-lowest carbon price in Canada by 2022.
Cumulative emissions in Manitoba are projected to drop by more than one megatonne over the next five years. The made-in-Manitoba price will not rise between now and 2022, when the carbon pricing plan will undergo a full review.
The plan will have exemptions for agricultural emissions. The carbon levy will not be applied to marked fuels used by farmers for their farming operations. Agricultural operations will also be able to contribute to carbon sequestration and offset trading systems to be established in Manitoba and other provinces.
Large industrial emitters will be able to reduce their emissions while having their competitiveness concerns addressed through an output based pricing system of performance standards, offsets and credit trading.
An independent expert advisory commission will be established to help develop five-year Carbon Savings Accounts to meaningfully reduce emissions across sectors of the economy.
An online survey is now open for Manitobans to make their choices on the made-in-Manitoba plan as well as on carbon revenue recycling.
The CPA is reviewing the government’s plan and expects to meet with the Ministry of Sustainable development in the coming weeks to discuss the important role the expanded use of propane can play in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Manitoba while creating jobs.
