44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 décembre 2023441-01770441-01770 (Environnement)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON18 octobre 20231 décembre 202315 septembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE :La canalisation 5 d’Enbridge est en service depuis 70 ans, et qu’au cours de cette période, elle a déversé à plusieurs reprises du pétrole dans le Wisconsin et le Michigan et a contribué à faire de Sarnia (Ontario) l’endroit le plus pollué d’Amérique du Nord; La poursuite de l’exploitation de ce pipeline de sables bitumineux vétuste constitue une menace imminente pour la réserve de Bad River et le lac Supérieur, car l’érosion rapide d’un méandre rend la réserve vulnérable face à un éventuel déversement; La rupture d’un pipeline à cet endroit détruirait les marécages de Kakagon et de Bad River, qui abritent des rizières sauvages, fondement physique, culturel et spirituel des peuples chippewas du lac Supérieur; La poursuite de l’exploitation de la canalisation 5 aggraverait encore la dégradation du climat mondial, de la biodiversité, des écosystèmes et des cultures du bassin versant des Grands Lacs et menacerait gravement 21 % de l’eau douce mondiale et l’eau potable qui approvisionne 40 millions de personnes; Enbridge n’a plus l’autorisation légale d’exploiter la canalisation 5 dans la réserve de Bad River ou dans le détroit de Mackinac, puisque la bande de Bad River des Chippewas du lac Supérieur et l’État du Michigan ont révoqué leurs servitudes en 2013 et en 2020, respectivement; La communauté indienne de Bay Mills a publié un document intitulé « Banishment of Enbridge Energy, Inc. Line 5 Dual Pipelines from the 1836 Treaty of Washington Ceded Territory, Waters of the Great Lakes, and the Straits of Mackinac »; L'instance permanente des Nations Unies sur les questions autochtones a demandé la mise hors service de la canalisation 5;L’accord entre le gouvernement du Canada et le gouvernement des États-Unis d’Amérique concernant les pipelines de transit (ci-après dénommé « l’accord de 1977 ») prévoit que la protection de l’environnement prime sur les pipelines; Les traités conclus avec les États-Unis autorisent les Chippewas du lac Supérieur à empêcher le détournement et le prolongement de la canalisation 5 dans le Wisconsin et le creusement d’un tunnel pour la canalisation 5 dans le Michigan, comme l’a proposé Enbridge; L’Agence internationale de l’énergie et le Secrétaire général des Nations Unies s’opposent à la construction de toute nouvelle infrastructure d’énergie fossile, telle que le détournement, la prolongation et la construction de tunnels susmentionnés; Le gouvernement du Canada n’a reconnu aucun des faits susmentionnés lorsqu’il a invoqué l’accord le 4 octobre 2021 et à nouveau le 29 août 2022 pour continuer à exploiter la canalisation 5; Près de 300 organisations et plus de 5 000 personnes ont signé une lettre demandant aux ministres du gouvernement de cesser d’invoquer l’accord de cette manière. NOUS, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, DEMANDONS AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA de renoncer à toute utilisation de l’accord de 1977 pour poursuivre l’exploitation de la canalisation 5 d’Enbridge.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Pam DanoffClimate change is an undeniable reality. That’s why the Government of Canada introduced Canada’s most comprehensive climate plan, making historic investments to build job-creating clean energy projects, and implementing a price on pollution which returns all proceeds to Canadians while significantly cutting pollution across the country. More than ever, the Government is firmly committed to ensuring Canada’s energy and economic security, while taking important steps to fight climate change and protect the environment for future generations.Canada has invoked the dispute settlement mechanism of the 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty (the “Treaty”) twice concerning Line 5, first on October 4, 2021 on the pipeline segment in the Straits of Mackinac (Michigan), and again on August 29, 2022 on the pipeline segment on the Bad River Band Reservation (Wisconsin). This treaty ensures the uninterrupted transmission of hydrocarbons in transit—in the case of Line 5, light crude oil and natural gas liquids—from one place in Canada to another place in Canada, transiting through the United States.Line 5 not only helps provide energy that is essential for empowering a resilient Canadian economy, it also supplies energy to business owners and residents in the Midwestern United States, including Wisconsin. Canada and the United States share a vision for a sustainable and inclusive economic growth that strengthens the middle class, creates more opportunities for them, and ensures people have good jobs and careers on both sides of the border. Both Canadians and Americans expect their governments to strengthen Canada-U.S. supply chain security and work to reinforce this deeply interconnected and mutually beneficial economic relationship.The economic and energy disruption and damage to Canada and the U.S. from a Line 5 shutdown would be widespread and significant:
  • Line 5 is a key west-to-east outlet for Alberta and Saskatchewan production of light crude oil and natural gas liquids.
  • Line 5 supplies six refineries in Ontario and Quebec, including the refinery and petrochemical complex in Sarnia. In the U.S., Line 5 supplies four refineries in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. A 2021 third-party study of impacts in the U.S. Midwest indicated a shutdown would threaten more than 33,000 U.S. jobs and jeopardize US$20 billion in economic activity.
  • Line 5 also supplies three propane production facilities, in Wisconsin, Michigan and Sarnia (Ontario), which supply critical rural and agricultural needs in the Great Lakes region, on both sides of the border.
  • A Line 5 shutdown would also impact energy prices, such as propane for heating homes and the price of gas at the pump. As global market forces and inflation continue to hit Canadians, the Government must avoid putting additional pressure on the monthly budgets of Canadian families.
  • Furthermore, such a closure would directly impact the energy security of both Canada and the United States. At a time of heightened concern over energy security and supply, including during the energy transition, maintaining and protecting existing infrastructure should be a top priority. Canada has raised these concerns with the U.S. on numerous occasions.
Canada is committed to the process of reconciliation and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including as recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This includes respecting the rights of the Bad River Band, such as in relation to governance of its Reservation.Alongside many U.S.-based local, state, and national organizations, Canada strongly supports the proposed replacement infrastructure solution, which would re-route Line 5 outside the Bad River Band Reservation and is currently undergoing state and federal permitting review.In the case of the Line 5 segment in the Straits of Mackinac, Canada, along with many U.S.-based partners, supports the Great Lakes Tunnel Project. This solution, also undergoing state and federal permitting reviews, will replace the existing Line 5 segment in the Straits by placing it within a tunnel under the Straits.These infrastructure solutions will keep Line 5 operating, further protect the environment including the iconic waters of the Great Lakes, meet critical energy needs in both Canada and the U.S. as we fight climate change and build net-zero economies, while responding to concerns expressed by Indigenous peoples, and fulfilling the Bad River Band’s desire to remove the pipeline segment from its Reservation.
Pétrole et gazProtection de l'environnementTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 janvier 2023441-00845441-00845 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB14 novembre 202230 janvier 20237 juin 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidants du Canada, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Le projet de loi S-233 et le projet de loi C-223 proposent d’élaborer un cadre pour un revenu de base garanti;
  • Un revenu de base garanti signifierait que les gens recevraient un chèque de paie, même s’ils ne travaillent pas ou ne contribuent pas à l’essor de nos collectivités;
  • Les coûts associés au fait d’envoyer de l’argent à chaque Canadien et de gérer un système de distribution des revenus atteindraient des milliards de dollars;
  • Un revenu universel dissuaderait les gens de travailler et de conserver un emploi;
  • Il faudrait augmenter les impôts considérablement pour payer cette nouvelle dépense.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons aux parlementaires :1) de voter contre les projets de loi S-233 et C-223 et contre tout autre projet de loi faisant la promotion d’un revenu universel;2) de mettre un terme à la taxe sur le carbone et de réduire l’inflation, qui nuit au pouvoir d’achat des Canadiens; 3) d’approuver les propositions de pipelines, nouvelles et existantes, qui permettront d’acheminer les ressources énergétiques du Canada aux zones côtières, de manière à favoriser la création d’emplois en Alberta et partout au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOn climate change, the science is clear—we must take action now to protect our planet and secure our children’s future. But the economics are clear too: to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.It is much harder to cut pollution if it is free to pollute. The principle is straightforward: a price on carbon pollution establishes how much businesses and households need to pay for their carbon pollution. The higher the price, the greater the incentive to pollute less, conserve energy, and invest in low-carbon solutions. Canadians and businesses understand that putting a price on carbon pollution spurs the development of new technologies and services that can help reduce their emissions cost-effectively, from how they heat their homes to what kind of energy they use to do so. It also provides Canadians and businesses with an incentive to adopt these changes or solutions into their lives. That's why experts consistently recommend carbon pollution pricing as an efficient, effective approach to reducing emissions.Since 2019, every jurisdiction in Canada has had a comparable price on carbon pollution. Canada's approach is flexible: any province or territory can design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or it can choose the federal pricing system. The Government of Canada sets minimum national stringency standards (the "benchmark") that all systems must meet to ensure they are comparable and effective in reducing GHG emissions. If a province decides not to price carbon pollution, or proposes a system that does not meet these standards, the federal system is applied. In August 2021, the Government of Canada published strengthened benchmark criteria that all systems will need to meet from 2023-2030.A key element of the federal benchmark is the price on carbon pollution. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030. The price schedule is laid out to 2030 to create certainty, which is important for attracting private sector investment.The federal carbon pollution pricing system has two parts: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels like gasoline and natural gas (the "fuel charge"), and a performance-based emissions trading system for industries, known as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS).The federal carbon pollution pricing system returns all direct proceeds back to the jurisdiction where they were collected. Some provinces and territories receive the funds directly and can use them as they see fit. In other provinces, the federal government uses the proceeds to support to individuals, Indigenous Peoples, families, and businesses through direct payments and federal programming.The majority of households in jurisdictions that receive Climate Action Incentive payments under the federal backstop system receive more money than they pay. Direct payments to households work because they help make the price on carbon pollution affordable, and enable households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. Jurisdictions that currently receive Climate Action Incentive payments are Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.As Canada collectively manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas in the long-term. As the energy transition advances, pipelines are expected to evolve to include the transportation of carbon dioxide and natural gas for conversion to hydrogen and ammonia.In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the key to advancing our country’s energy transition to a low-carbon economy is a skilled and well-trained energy workforce. Each province is unique and the approaches to a clean energy transition will be different across the country, using the abundance of each region’s resources, technology, talent, and experience. In Alberta, for example, such opportunities are expected to involve hydrogen derived from natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), critical minerals, renewable forms of energy and biofuels.Alberta is playing a critical role in Canada’s current and future energy economy, including the building of a prosperous net-zero future. On November 8, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $300 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund's Net Zero Accelerator initiative alongside a provincial contribution to support a $1.6 billion project by Air Products Canada Ltd. to advance clean fuels and clean energy in Canada and secure hundreds of middle-class jobs. These contributions will support the construction, in Edmonton, of a hydrogen production and liquefaction facility, which will create approximately 230 jobs. Making such investments in clean energy technologies and projects, alongside provincial and industry partners, will help grow our economy and support Canada in its efforts to meet its net zero and other environmental objectives.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandIncome security is a shared jurisdiction across different levels of government. At the federal level, the Government of Canada already has programs with similar features to a basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, the Old Age Security program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. In addition, existing programs such as the Canada Workers Benefit and Employment Insurance provide income supports for low-income individuals with labour market attachment or those with insurable employment. These programs exist alongside provincial and territorial social assistance programs.The Government of Canada continually undertakes research and analysis on a range of policies and programs as part of its efforts to ensure that all Canadians have a real and fair opportunity to succeed. Findings from this analysis underscore that a universal basic income program would represent a major change in Canada's social safety net, not only in scope and scale, but also in the way it would have to engage provincial/territorial jurisdiction over social assistance. As numerous academics have pointed out, any basic income proposal has to confront fundamental trade-offs in relation to the amount of the benefit level, the impact on work incentives, and program costs. Estimates from different sources place the cost of a basic income at between $80 billion to over $200 billion each year. Depending on choices on those trade-offs and the means of financing, basic income designs could lead some lower-income people to be worse off. For example, the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s recent basic income study in 2021 identified average annual losses exceeding $5,300 for single parents in the second lowest income quintile due to the elimination of existing programs/tax credits to finance a basic income in that model.
C-223, Loi concernant l'élaboration d'un cadre national sur le revenu de base garanti suffisantSupplément de revenu garantiTaxe sur les émissions carboniquesTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 janvier 2023441-00834441-00834 (Affaires étrangères)FrankCaputoKamloops—Thompson—CaribooConservateurBC2 novembre 202230 janvier 20233 octobre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • La Russie a déclaré la guerre à l’Ukraine, bombarde sans discernement ses civils et cible des villes ukrainiennes à l’aide de tirs de roquettes depuis le 24 février 2022;
  • Il est impératif qu’en cette période de menace pour l’existence même de l’Ukraine, le gouvernement du Canada, qui est le foyer de 1,4 million de citoyens d’origine ukrainienne, aide à mettre fin à la guerre;
  • Il s’agit notamment de renforcer les sanctions imposées à la Russie, y compris celles contre la turbine Nord Stream 1;
  • L’octroi d’un permis à Siemens Canada pour que ce dernier rende les turbines Nord Stream 1 sanctionnées à la Russie en passant par l’Allemagne et l’appui des travaux d’entretien en cours des turbines au Canada permettra à cet oléoduc sanctionné de continuer à contribuer à financer le génocide ukrainien;
  • Pour arrêter d’inciter à la guerre, le gouvernement du Canada doit annuler le permis immédiatement.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada :
  • 1. de révoquer immédiatement le permis pour le renvoi des turbines Nord Stream 1 sanctionnées à la Russie en passant par l’Allemagne;
  • 2. d’imposer d’autres sanctions économiques contre la Russie, selon ce qui est jugé possible et souhaitable.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantOn December 14, 2022, the Government of Canada announced the revocation of the sanctions waiver that was granted to Siemens Canada.The Government of Canada condemns President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war he has started is in blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and it threatens global peace and security. This war of choice is a war on freedom, on democracy, and on the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners are united in imposing targeted measures against President Putin and his enablers. Canada has imposed sanctions against Russia under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to the gravity of Russia’s violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and grave human rights violations that have been committed in Russia.Canada is unwavering in its commitment to Ukraine and will continue to support its government and people as they defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Canada is deeply concerned for all those affected, and horrified by the Russian Forces’ attacks on innocent civilians. Canada has also been resolute in condemning Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine and its people, and has been working in bilateral and multilateral forums, including at the UN, on options to support Ukraine and promote international peace and security. Since February 2022, Canada has committed over $5 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine, including financial, development, humanitarian, military and peace and stabilization assistance, as well as new immigration measures for Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion.Canada will also continue to impose sanctions on those who support Russia’s illegal war. Since February 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on over 1,500 individuals and entities from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Since 2014, Canada has sanctioned over 2,100 individuals and entities. Canada also targeted Russia’s ability to access the global financial system, implemented measures to pressure the Russian economy and defence sector, and severely limited Russia’s trade with Canada, including in sectors that could support its illegal war. In coordination with allies and partners, Canada will continue to impose sanctions and close loopholes to maximize pressure against the Russian regime until President Putin stops his war. These measures are designed to hit at the heart of Russia’s economy and limit its ability to fund the war.Together with the international community and working with the Government of Ukraine, Canada will continue to call on President Putin to end his war, withdraw his troops and military assets from Ukraine.
AllemagneGaz naturelRussieSanctions économiquesTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 décembre 2022441-00812441-00812 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)GlenMotzMedicine Hat—Cardston—WarnerConservateurAB26 octobre 20229 décembre 20227 juin 2022 PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La taxe sur le carbone doit connaître une hausse chaque année jusqu’en 2030, ce qui fera augmenter le coût à la pompe de 38 cents le litre;
  • La taxe sur le carbone fait monter le coût des produits de première nécessité, notamment le gaz, les aliments et le chauffage, ce qui les rend très coûteux pour les Canadiens;
  • La Banque du Canada a affirmé que la taxe sur le carbone a fait augmenter l’inflation de près de 0,5 %;
  • La taxe sur le carbone représente une dépense additionnelle pour les entreprises canadiennes et entraîne un désavantage économique par rapport aux autres pays;
  • Les émissions de CO2 n’ont fait que croître sous le gouvernement libéral.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada :1) de mettre fin à la taxe sur le carbone et d’arrêter de prélever la TPS sur la taxe sur le carbone, ce qui nuit aux entreprises, aux familles et à notre économie;2) de réduire l’inflation et les dépenses gouvernementales;3) d’approuver les pipelines et d’autres projets, particulièrement les pipelines de GNL, afin d’acheminer les ressources énergétiques canadiennes, propres et éthiques, vers les zones côtières et les marchés étrangers.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada is advancing a number of efforts to realize its clean growth objectives and position itself to be a global supplier of clean energy in a net zero world. In addition to renewable energy expansion and the deployment of clean fuels, Canada remains committed to regulatory effectiveness, efficiency and transparency across all forms of energy development and use. Together, these efforts will help combat climate change and ensure Canada and Canada’s allies can rely on a secure and diverse supply of energy.As Canada manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.As the world moves through the energy transition, Canada will remain an economy in which sustainable development of natural resources will continue to make an indispensable contribution to a prosperous and  diversified energy future.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate change is an existential challenge, and climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Carbon pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why our government has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal carbon pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the carbon price is returned.In Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta—approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution.In 2022-23, these payments mean a family of four receives $745 in Ontario, $832 in Manitoba, $1,101 in Saskatchewan, and $1,079 in Alberta. In addition, families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent.  Climate Action Incentive payments started to be delivered as quarterly payments in July of this year instead of a refundable credit claimed annually on personal income tax returns.With respect to the application of the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service. The general rule that was adopted at the inception of the GST, under the Mulroney government, and carried over for the HST, is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies, and charges that apply to the good or service and are generally embedded in the final price. This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada. It also makes it easier for vendors to calculate the amount of tax payable, for consumers to understand, and for the Canada Revenue Agency to administer.High inflation is a global phenomenon, driven by the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have led to sharply higher food and energy prices, and persistent impacts from supply chain disruptions and the pandemic. In Canada, rising housing-related prices have primarily contributed to the portion of inflation driven by domestic factors.On the demand side, the Bank of Canada has begun tightening monetary policy, while the government continues to move forward with withdrawing COVID supports that are no longer necessary, while committing to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term. Indeed, the IMF projects that Canada will have the fastest pace of deficit reduction in the G7 by next year. In addition, as announced in Budget 2022, the government is taking measured and appropriate steps to moderate spending through the launch of a comprehensive Strategic Policy Review with a target of finding savings of $6 billion over five years, and $3 billion annually by 2026-27.On the supply side, to keep inflation expectations in check, the government is taking action to boost the economy’s supply capacity. The investment in Early Learning and Child Care, which is expected to yield a material increase in labour-force participation, is one important example. Budget 2022 redoubled the focus on expanding the economy’s capacity with investments to grow and maintain our talented and diverse workforce through immigration and skills development; facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy; drive innovation and business growth; and make our cities more competitive by expanding the supply of housing. To help with affordability challenges, the government is implementing targeted investments to support Canadians, such as:
  • Making an historic investment of $30 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners.
  • Investing $938 million to provide dental care to uninsured Canadians with a family income of less than $90,000 annually, starting with children under 12 this year. The Canada Dental Benefit would provide families with direct payments totaling up to $1,300 per child over the next two years (up to $650 per year) to cover the cost of dental care for their children under 12.
  • Providing $1.7 billion in new support for low-income workers this year by enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit. A modest-income couple could receive up to $2,400 more this year and a single worker up to $1,200 more.
  • Providing $2.5 billion in additional targeted support for low- and modest-income Canadians by doubling the GST credit for six months. Couples with two children would receive up to an extra $467 and single Canadians without children would receive up to an extra $234. 
  • Providing a one-time tax-free payment of $500 to nearly two million qualifying Canadians who are struggling with the cost of rent. This federal benefit would be in addition to the Canada Housing Benefit currently co-funded and delivered by provinces and territories, and would be available to applicants with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families, or below $20,000 for individuals, who pay at least 30 percent of their income on rent.
  • Implementing a ten percent increase to the Old Age Security pension for seniors age 75 and over in July 2022, which will provide additional benefits of over $800 to full pensioners in the first year.
Importantly, key government benefits are also adjusted for inflation over time, including, among others, Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Canada Child Benefit, and the GST Credit.
Pétrole et gazTaxe sur les émissions carboniquesTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 décembre 2022441-00765441-00765 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB19 octobre 20222 décembre 20223 mai 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidants du Canada, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Le projet de loi S-233 et le projet de loi C-223 proposent d’élaborer un cadre pour un revenu de base garanti;
  • Un revenu de base garanti signifierait que les gens recevraient un chèque de paie, même s’ils ne travaillent pas ou ne contribuent pas à l’essor de nos collectivités;
  • Les coûts associés au fait d’envoyer de l’argent à chaque Canadien et de gérer un système de distribution des revenus atteindraient des milliards de dollars;
  • Un revenu universel dissuaderait les gens de travailler et de conserver un emploi;
  • Il faudrait augmenter les impôts considérablement pour payer cette nouvelle dépense.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons aux parlementaires :1) de voter contre les projets de loi S-233 et C-223 et contre tout autre projet de loi faisant la promotion d’un revenu universel;2) de mettre un terme à la taxe sur le carbone et de réduire l’inflation, qui nuit au pouvoir d’achat des Canadiens; 3) d’approuver les propositions de pipelines, nouvelles et existantes, qui permettront d’acheminer les ressources énergétiques du Canada aux zones côtières, de manière à favoriser la création d’emplois en Alberta et partout au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.As Canada collectively manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the key to advancing our country’s energy transition to a low-carbon economy is a skilled and well-trained energy workforce. Each province is unique and the approaches to a clean energy transition will be different across the country, using the abundance of each region’s resources, technology, talent, and experience. In Alberta, for example, such opportunities are expected to involve hydrogen derived from natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), critical minerals, renewable forms of energy and biofuels.Alberta is playing a critical role in Canada’s current and future energy economy, including the building of a prosperous net-zero future. In April of this year, the Government of Canada announced a combined investment of more than $7.5 million to four organizations in Alberta that are in the process of advancing emerging clean technologies. These technologies will help grow our economy and support Canada in its efforts to meet environmental targets, delivering clean and reliable energy and creating sustainable jobs for Albertans.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandIncome security is a shared jurisdiction across different levels of government. At the federal level, the Government of Canada already has programs with similar features to a basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, the Old Age Security program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. In addition, existing programs such as the Canada Workers Benefit and Employment Insurance provide income supports for low-income individuals with labour market attachment or those with insurable employment. These programs exist alongside provincial and territorial social assistance programs.The Government of Canada continually undertakes research and analysis on a range of policies and programs as part of its efforts to ensure that all Canadians have a real and fair opportunity to succeed. Findings from this analysis underscore that a universal basic income program would represent a major change in Canada's social safety net, not only in scope and scale, but also in the way it would have to engage provincial/territorial jurisdiction over social assistance. As numerous academics have pointed out, any basic income proposal has to confront fundamental trade-offs in relation to the amount of the benefit level, the impact on work incentives, and program costs. Estimates from different sources place the cost of a basic income at between $80 billion to over $200 billion each year. Depending on choices on those trade-offs and the means of financing, basic income designs could lead some lower-income people to be worse off. For example, the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s recent basic income study in 2021 identified average annual losses exceeding $5,300 for single parents in the second lowest income quintile due to the elimination of existing programs/tax credits to finance a basic income in that model. 
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOn climate change, the science is clear—we must take action now to protect our planet and secure our children’s future. But the economics are clear too: to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.It is much harder to cut pollution if it is free to pollute. The principle is straightforward: a price on carbon pollution establishes how much businesses and households need to pay for their carbon pollution. The higher the price, the greater the incentive to pollute less, conserve energy, and invest in low-carbon solutions. Canadians and businesses understand that putting a price on carbon pollution spurs the development of new technologies and services that can help reduce their emissions cost-effectively, from how they heat their homes to what kind of energy they use to do so. It also provides Canadians and businesses with an incentive to adopt these changes or solutions into their lives. That's why experts consistently recommend carbon pollution pricing as an efficient, effective approach to reducing emissions.Since 2019, every jurisdiction in Canada has had a comparable price on carbon pollution. Canada's approach is flexible: any province or territory can design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or it can choose the federal pricing system. The Government of Canada sets minimum national stringency standards (the "benchmark") that all systems must meet to ensure they are comparable and effective in reducing GHG emissions. If a province decides not to price carbon pollution, or proposes a system that does not meet these standards, the federal system is applied. In August 2021, the Government of Canada published strengthened benchmark criteria that all systems will need to meet from 2023-2030.A key element of the federal benchmark is the price on carbon pollution. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030. The price schedule is laid out to 2030 to create certainty, which is important for attracting private sector investment.The federal carbon pollution pricing system has two parts: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels like gasoline and natural gas (the "fuel charge"), and a performance-based emissions trading system for industries, known as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS).The federal carbon pollution pricing system returns all direct proceeds back to the jurisdiction where they were collected. Some provinces and territories receive the funds directly and can use them as they see fit. In other provinces, the federal government uses the proceeds to support to individuals, Indigenous Peoples, families, and businesses through direct payments and federal programming.The majority of households in jurisdictions that receive Climate Action Incentive payments under the federal backstop system receive more money than they pay. Direct payments to households work because they help make the price on carbon pollution affordable, and enable households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. Jurisdictions that currently receive Climate Action Incentive payments are Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.     
C-223, Loi concernant l'élaboration d'un cadre national sur le revenu de base garanti suffisantSupplément de revenu garantiTaxe sur les émissions carboniquesTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée17 novembre 2022441-00730441-00730 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB4 octobre 202217 novembre 20227 juin 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidants du Canada, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Le projet de loi S-233 et le projet de loi C-223 proposent d’élaborer un cadre pour un revenu de base garanti;
  • Un revenu de base garanti signifierait que les gens recevraient un chèque de paie, même s’ils ne travaillent pas ou ne contribuent pas à l’essor de nos collectivités;
  • Les coûts associés au fait d’envoyer de l’argent à chaque Canadien et de gérer un système de distribution des revenus atteindraient des milliards de dollars;
  • Un revenu universel dissuaderait les gens de travailler et de conserver un emploi;
  • Il faudrait augmenter les impôts considérablement pour payer cette nouvelle dépense.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons aux parlementaires :1) de voter contre les projets de loi S-233 et C-223 et contre tout autre projet de loi faisant la promotion d’un revenu universel;2) de mettre un terme à la taxe sur le carbone et de réduire l’inflation, qui nuit au pouvoir d’achat des Canadiens; 3) d’approuver les propositions de pipelines, nouvelles et existantes, qui permettront d’acheminer les ressources énergétiques du Canada aux zones côtières, de manière à favoriser la création d’emplois en Alberta et partout au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.As Canada collectively manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the key to advancing our country’s energy transition to a low-carbon economy is a skilled and well-trained energy workforce. Each province is unique and the approaches to a clean energy transition will be different across the country, using the abundance of each region’s resources, technology, talent, and experience. In Alberta, for example, such opportunities are expected to involve hydrogen derived from natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), critical minerals, renewable forms of energy and biofuels.Alberta is playing a critical role in Canada’s current and future energy economy, including the building of a prosperous net-zero future. In April of this year, the Government of Canada announced a combined investment of more than $7.5 million to four organizations in Alberta that are in the process of advancing emerging clean technologies. These technologies will help grow our economy and support Canada in its efforts to meet environmental targets, delivering clean and reliable energy and creating sustainable jobs for Albertans.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandIncome security is a shared jurisdiction across different levels of government. At the federal level, the Government of Canada already has programs with similar features to a basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, the Old Age Security program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. In addition, existing programs such as the Canada Workers Benefit and Employment Insurance (EI) provide income supports for low-income individuals with labour market attachment or those with insurable employment. These programs exist alongside provincial and territorial social assistance programs.The Government of Canada continually undertakes research and analysis on a range of policies and programs as part of its efforts to ensure that all Canadians have a real and fair opportunity to succeed. Findings from this analysis underscore that a universal basic income program would represent a major change in Canada's social safety net, not only in scope and scale, but also in the way it would have to engage provincial/territorial jurisdiction over social assistance. As numerous academics have pointed out, any basic income proposal has to confront fundamental trade-offs in relation to the amount of the benefit level, the impact on work incentives, and program costs.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOn climate change, the science is clear—we must take action now to protect our planet and secure our children’s future. But the economics are clear too: to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.It is much harder to cut pollution if it is free to pollute. The principle is straightforward: a price on carbon pollution establishes how much businesses and households need to pay for their carbon pollution. The higher the price, the greater the incentive to pollute less, conserve energy, and invest in low-carbon solutions. Canadians and businesses understand that putting a price on carbon pollution spurs the development of new technologies and services that can help reduce their emissions cost-effectively, from how they heat their homes to what kind of energy they use to do so. It also provides Canadians and businesses with an incentive to adopt these changes or solutions into their lives. That's why experts consistently recommend carbon pollution pricing as an efficient, effective approach to reducing emissions.Since 2019, every jurisdiction in Canada has had a comparable price on carbon pollution. Canada's approach is flexible: any province or territory can design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or it can choose the federal pricing system. The Government of Canada sets minimum national stringency standards (the "benchmark") that all systems must meet to ensure they are comparable and effective in reducing GHG emissions. If a province decides not to price carbon pollution, or proposes a system that does not meet these standards, the federal system is applied. In August 2021, the Government of Canada published strengthened benchmark criteria that all systems will need to meet from 2023-2030.A key element of the federal benchmark is the price on carbon pollution. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030. The price schedule is laid out to 2030 to create certainty, which is important for attracting private sector investment.The federal carbon pollution pricing system has two parts: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels like gasoline and natural gas (the "fuel charge"), and a performance-based emissions trading system for industries, known as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS).The federal carbon pollution pricing system returns all direct proceeds back to the jurisdiction where they were collected. Some provinces and territories receive the funds directly and can use them as they see fit. In other provinces, the federal government uses the proceeds to support to individuals, Indigenous Peoples, families, and businesses through direct payments and federal programming.The majority of households in jurisdictions that receive Climate Action Incentive payments under the federal backstop system receive more money than they pay. Direct payments to households work because they help make the price on carbon pollution affordable, and enable households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. Jurisdictions that currently receive Climate Action Incentive payments are Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.   
C-223, Loi concernant l'élaboration d'un cadre national sur le revenu de base garanti suffisantSupplément de revenu garantiTaxe sur les émissions carboniquesTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 novembre 2022441-00699441-00699 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB26 septembre 202214 novembre 20227 juin 2022 PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La taxe sur le carbone doit connaître une hausse chaque année jusqu’en 2030, ce qui fera augmenter le coût à la pompe de 38 cents le litre;
  • La taxe sur le carbone fait monter le coût des produits de première nécessité, notamment le gaz, les aliments et le chauffage, ce qui les rend très coûteux pour les Canadiens;
  • La Banque du Canada a affirmé que la taxe sur le carbone a fait augmenter l’inflation de près de 0,5 %;
  • La taxe sur le carbone représente une dépense additionnelle pour les entreprises canadiennes et entraîne un désavantage économique par rapport aux autres pays;
  • Les émissions de CO2 n’ont fait que croître sous le gouvernement libéral.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada :1) de mettre fin à la taxe sur le carbone et d’arrêter de prélever la TPS sur la taxe sur le carbone, ce qui nuit aux entreprises, aux familles et à notre économie;2) de réduire l’inflation et les dépenses gouvernementales;3) d’approuver les pipelines et d’autres projets, particulièrement les pipelines de GNL, afin d’acheminer les ressources énergétiques canadiennes, propres et éthiques, vers les zones côtières et les marchés étrangers.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada is advancing a number of efforts to realize its clean growth objectives and position itself to be a global supplier of clean energy in a net zero world. In addition to renewable energy expansion and the deployment of clean fuels, Canada remains committed to regulatory effectiveness, efficiency and transparency across all forms of energy development and use. Together, these efforts will help combat climate change and ensure Canada and Canada’s allies can rely on a secure and diverse supply of energy.As Canada collectively manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.As we move through the energy transition, Canada will remain an economy in which sustainable development of natural resources will continue to make an indispensable contribution to our ongoing prosperity. Canada will continue working with our American neighbours to strengthen our shared energy infrastructure and our continental supply chains.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate change is an existential challenge, and climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Carbon pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why our government has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal carbon pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the carbon price is returned.In Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta—approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution.In 2022-23, these payments mean a family of four receives $745 in Ontario, $832 in Manitoba, $1,101 in Saskatchewan, and $1,079 in Alberta. In addition, families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent.  Climate Action Incentive payments started to be delivered as quarterly payments in July of this year instead of a refundable credit claimed annually on personal income tax returns.With respect to the application of the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service. The general rule that was adopted at the inception of the GST, under the Mulroney government, and carried over for the HST, is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies, and charges that apply to the good or service and are generally embedded in the final price. This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada. It also makes it easier for vendors to calculate the amount of tax payable, for consumers to understand, and for the Canada Revenue Agency to administer.High inflation is a global phenomenon, driven by the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have led to sharply higher food and energy prices, and persistent impacts from supply chain disruptions and the pandemic. In Canada, rising housing-related prices have primarily contributed to the portion of inflation driven by domestic factors.On the demand side, the Bank of Canada has begun tightening monetary policy, while the government continues to move forward with withdrawing COVID supports that are no longer necessary, while committing to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term. Indeed, the IMF projects that Canada will have the fastest pace of deficit reduction in the G7 by next year. In addition, as announced in Budget 2022, the government is taking measured and appropriate steps to moderate spending through the launch of a comprehensive Strategic Policy Review with a target of finding savings of $6 billion over five years, and $3 billion annually by 2026-27.On the supply side, to keep inflation expectations in check, the government is taking action to boost the economy’s supply capacity. The investment in Early Learning and Child Care, which is expected to yield a material increase in labour-force participation, is one important example. Budget 2022 redoubled the focus on expanding the economy’s capacity with investments to grow and maintain our talented and diverse workforce through immigration and skills development; facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy; drive innovation and business growth; and make our cities more competitive by expanding the supply of housing. To help with affordability challenges, the government is implementing targeted investments to support Canadians, such as:
  • Making an historic investment of $30 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners.
  • Investing $938 million to provide dental care to uninsured Canadians with a family income of less than $90,000 annually, starting with children under 12 this year. The Canada Dental Benefit would provide families with direct payments totaling up to $1,300 per child over the next two years (up to $650 per year) to cover the cost of dental care for their children under 12.
  • Providing $1.7 billion in new support for low-income workers this year by enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit. A modest-income couple could receive up to $2,400 more this year and a single worker up to $1,200 more.
  • Providing $2.5 billion in additional targeted support for low- and modest-income Canadians by doubling the GST credit for six months. Couples with two children would receive up to an extra $467 and single Canadians without children would receive up to an extra $234. 
  • Providing a one-time tax-free payment of $500 to nearly two million qualifying Canadians who are struggling with the cost of rent. This federal benefit would be in addition to the Canada Housing Benefit currently co-funded and delivered by provinces and territories, and would be available to applicants with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families, or below $20,000 for individuals, who pay at least 30 percent of their income on rent.
  • Implementing a ten percent increase to the Old Age Security pension for seniors age 75 and over in July 2022, which will provide additional benefits of over $800 to full pensioners in the first year.
Importantly, key government benefits are also adjusted for inflation over time, including, among others, Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Canada Child Benefit, and the GST Credit.
Pétrole et gazTaxe sur les émissions carboniquesTransport par pipeline44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 septembre 2022441-00526441-00526 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB6 juin 202220 septembre 20223 mai 2022 PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La taxe sur le carbone doit connaître une hausse chaque année jusqu’en 2030, ce qui fera augmenter le coût à la pompe de 38 cents le litre;
  • La taxe sur le carbone fait monter le coût des produits de première nécessité, notamment le gaz, les aliments et le chauffage, ce qui les rend très coûteux pour les Canadiens;
  • La Banque du Canada a affirmé que la taxe sur le carbone a fait augmenter l’inflation de près de 0,5 %;
  • La taxe sur le carbone représente une dépense additionnelle pour les entreprises canadiennes et entraîne un désavantage économique par rapport aux autres pays;
  • Les émissions de CO2 n’ont fait que croître sous le gouvernement libéral.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada :1) de mettre fin à la taxe sur le carbone et d’arrêter de prélever la TPS sur la taxe sur le carbone, ce qui nuit aux entreprises, aux familles et à notre économie;2) de réduire l’inflation et les dépenses gouvernementales;3) d’approuver les pipelines et d’autres projets, particulièrement les pipelines de GNL, afin d’acheminer les ressources énergétiques canadiennes, propres et éthiques, vers les zones côtières et les marchés étrangers.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada is leading in the deployment of clean fuels, such as Hydrogen, that are essential to both combatting climate change and assuring the energy security of Canada and Canada’s allies.Canadians made it clear that more needs to be done to reduce emission and fight climate change. This is why the Government of Canada is committed in developing the hydrogen sector as a viable and reliable source of energy. Hydrogen is an important climate solution that is aligned with net-zero while spurring economic growth from coast to coast to coast. In 2019, the hydrogen sector generated $200 million in hydrogen technology exports, such as fuel cells, while employing over 2,000 Canadians. Exports of Canadian hydrogen technologies are growing exponentially and are employed in countries around the world. As our investment in the sector grows, Canada has the potential to become a hydrogen superpower.Regarding hydrocarbons, the Government of Canada is in the process of developing guidance for all future oil and gas production projects subject to a federal impact assessment, ensuring that they will have “best-in-class” low-emissions performance. Successful proponents are building energy transition considerations into project design, such as plans to transition to hydrogen production and export. Increasingly, consumers are looking to source energy products produced with the lowest possible carbon intensity.Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Canada’s natural gas and petroleum reserves can be converted to hydrogen with carbon abatement, providing a new value-added market for Canada’s conventional energy resources that reduces emissions. The future of global demand in a net-zero economy is for non-combustible petroleum products with minimal production emissions, such as waxes and lubricants.Investments in clean energy creates sustainable jobs, enhances economic growth and energy security, and supports the shift towards clean electricity generation. Canada is a world leader in terms of clean energy production, including renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar energy.Canada’s production of clean energy grows from one year to the next. The federal government is investing in clean energy production and the development of new technologies in the energy sector. Investments include the $1.56 billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, to replace fossil-fuel generated electricity with renewables and to fund grid modernization projects, which has already deployed clean energy in coastal, remote, and Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada is also delivering the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program, which, coupled with additional investments in the Strengthened Climate Plan, provides over $500 million to get rural and remote communities – including Indigenous communities – off of diesel.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate change is an existential challenge, and climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Carbon pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why our government has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal carbon pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the carbon price is returned.In Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta—approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution.In 2022-23, these payments mean a family of four will receive $745 in Ontario, $832 in Manitoba, $1,101 in Saskatchewan, and $1,079 in Alberta. In addition, families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 per cent.  Climate Action Incentive payments will begin to be delivered as quarterly payments starting July of this year instead of a refundable credit claimed annually on personal income tax returns.With respect to the application of the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service.  The general rule that was adopted at the inception of the GST, under the Mulroney government, and carried over for the HST, is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies, and charges that apply to the good or service and are generally embedded in the final price.  This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada.  It also makes it easier for vendors to calculate the amount of tax payable, for consumers to understand, and for the Canada Revenue Agency to administer.High inflation is a global phenomenon, driven by the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have led to sharply higher food and energy prices, and persistent impacts from supply chain disruptions and the pandemic. In Canada, rising housing-related prices have primarily contributed to the portion of inflation driven by domestic factors.On the demand side, the Bank of Canada has begun tightening monetary policy, while the government continues to move forward with withdrawing COVID supports that are no longer necessary, while committing to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term. Indeed, the IMF projects that Canada will have the fastest pace of deficit reduction in the G7 by next year. In addition, as announced in Budget 2022, the government is taking measured and appropriate steps to moderate spending through the launch of a comprehensive Strategic Policy Review with a target of finding savings of $6 billion over five years, and $3 billion annually by 2026-27.On the supply side, to keep inflation expectations in check, the government is taking action to boost the economy’s supply capacity. This directly addresses the biggest threat to long-term price stability: the risk that elevated inflation becomes entrenched in expectations. The government has already made important investments to boost supply capacity. The investment in Early Learning and Child Care, which is expected to yield a material increase in labour-force participation, is one important example. Budget 2022 redoubled the focus on expanding the economy’s capacity with investments to grow and maintain our talented and diverse workforce through immigration and skills development; facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy; drive innovation and business growth; and make our cities more competitive by expanding the supply of housing. To help with affordability challenges, the government is making a number of targeted investments to support Canadians, such as:
  • an historic investment of $30 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners;
  • $5.3 billion to provide dental care for Canadians with family incomes of less than $90,000 annually, starting with under 12 years-olds in 2022, expanding to under 18 years-olds, seniors and persons living with a disability in 2023, with full implementation by 2025;
  • $475 million in 2022-23 to provide a one-time, $500 payment to those facing housing affordability challenges; and
  • beginning this July, a ten percent increase to the Old Age Security (OAS) pension for seniors age 75 and over, which will provide additional benefits of over $766 to full pensioners in the first year.
Importantly, key government benefits are also adjusted for inflation over time, including, among others, Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Canada Child Benefit, and the GST Credit.
Pétrole et gazTaxe sur les émissions carboniquesTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée17 août 2022441-00451441-00451 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB11 mai 202217 août 202213 février 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que le gouvernement continue de permettre aux raffineries d’importer du pétrole étranger, en dépit des difficultés que connaît le secteur canadien du pétrole et du gaz, dont les procédés d’extraction et de raffinage sont les plus conformes à l’éthique au monde, contrairement au pétrole extrait à l’étranger selon des normes moins élevées et sans les critères et les évaluations environnementales rigoureux du Canada, de sorte que l’impact sur l’environnement est plus considérable. Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre en place immédiatement un plan de corridor énergétique est-ouest pour remplacer le pétrole étranger afin que le pétrole brut provienne de sources canadiennes de manière à stimuler l’économie tout en protégeant l’environnement.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada maintains a market-based energy policy that relies on the private sector to decide when and where energy projects should be brought forward. The Government recognizes the importance of accessing new and emerging markets for our natural resources. Canada is committed to developing these resources in a sustainable manner that protects Canada’s rich natural environment, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, and supports a more resilient natural resources sector.This resiliency includes developing infrastructure that aligns with Canada’s stringent environmental and safety standards. Resource corridors may be a means of achieving these objectives, when they meet relevant regulatory and market requirements. Building infrastructure along existing utility, rail and road rights of way is one approach that Canada’s industry uses to minimize the impact of new projects on the environment and communities.At this time, there is no project application to build a west-east crude oil pipeline. If a new proposal is put forward, federal regulators will provide a fair and rigorous review process. The Government of Canada will consider whether to approve a project once the review is complete and public and Indigenous consultations have concluded.Crude oil is a globally traded commodity for which purchasing decisions are made according to supply and demand fundamentals. Canada’s market-based energy framework allows refineries to source oil at the most competitive rates available, which ensures that adequate supplies of refined products are available to Canadian consumers at the lowest cost.While Canada has the third-largest proven reserves of crude oil in the world, some refiners in central and Eastern Canada do import crude oil, due to several factors. Different refineries require different grades of crude oil, for instance, and central and Eastern refineries are configured to process lighter grades of oil. Pipeline connectivity also plays a role.  Refineries in Ontario and Quebec do process significant volumes of Canadian oil, shipped via pipeline such as Enbridge’s Line 5 and Line 78 which bring Canadian oil into Sarnia, and then via Enbridge Line 9 into Quebec. In 2021, 66% of Canada’s crude oil imports came from the United States. As Europe works to address the geopolitical and socio-economic vulnerabilities highlighted by current events, the Government of Canada is considering all measures to preserve energy supply chains in Canada, Europe, and, where possible, worldwide. On March 24, 2022, the Government of Canada announced, in response to requests from allies to address supply shortages due to the conflict in Ukraine, Canadian industry has the capacity to incrementally increase oil and gas exports in 2022 by up to 300,000 barrels per day (200,000 bbl/d of oil and up to 100,000 BOE/d of natural gas).  The intention is to displace Russian oil and gas, and not increase global emissions. In the long-term, it is the shift to domestically produced renewable energy and hydrogen, supplied by stable countries like Canada, that will provide true energy and national security to Europe and the globe.The Government of Canada is taking action to keep our energy supply secure today, while preparing for an increasingly low carbon future.
Pétrole et gazTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 mai 2022441-00258441-00258 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB23 mars 20226 mai 202213 février 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que le gouvernement continue de permettre aux raffineries d’importer du pétrole étranger, en dépit des difficultés que connaît le secteur canadien du pétrole et du gaz, dont les procédés d’extraction et de raffinage sont les plus conformes à l’éthique au monde, contrairement au pétrole extrait à l’étranger selon des normes moins élevées et sans les critères et les évaluations environnementales rigoureux du Canada, de sorte que l’impact sur l’environnement est plus considérable. Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre en place immédiatement un plan de corridor énergétique est-ouest pour remplacer le pétrole étranger afin que le pétrole brut provienne de sources canadiennes de manière à stimuler l’économie tout en protégeant l’environnement.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada maintains a market-based energy policy that relies on the private sector to decide when and where energy projects should be brought forward. The Government recognizes the importance of accessing new and emerging markets for our natural resources. Canada is committed to developing these resources in a sustainable manner that protects Canada’s rich natural environment, respects the rights of Indigenous peoples, and supports a more resilient natural resources sector. This resiliency includes developing infrastructure that aligns with Canada’s stringent environmental and safety standards. Resource corridors may be a means of achieving these objectives, when they meet relevant regulatory and market requirements. Building infrastructure along existing utility, rail and road rights of way is one approach that Canada’s industry uses to minimize the impact of new projects on the environment and communities. At this time, there is no project application to build a west-east crude oil pipeline. If a new proposal is put forward, federal regulators will provide a fair and rigorous review process. The Government of Canada will consider whether to approve a project once the review is complete and public and Indigenous consultations have concluded. Crude oil is a globally traded commodity for which purchasing decisions are made according to supply and demand fundamentals. Canada’s market-based energy framework allows refineries to source oil at the most competitive rates available, which ensures that adequate supplies of refined products are available to Canadian consumers at the lowest cost. While Canada has the third-largest proven reserves of crude oil in the world, some refiners in central and Eastern Canada do import crude oil, due to several factors. Different refineries require different grades of crude oil, for instance, and central and Eastern refineries are configured to process lighter grades of oil.  Refineries in Ontario and Quebec do process significant volumes of Canadian oil, shipped via pipeline such as Enbridge’s Line 5 and Line 78 which bring Canadian oil into Sarnia, and then via Enbridge Line 9 into Quebec. In 2021, 66% of Canada’s crude oil imports came from the United States.  The Government of Canada is taking action to keep our energy supply secure today, while preparing for an increasingly low carbon future.
Pétrole et gazTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 avril 2022441-00225441-00225 (Économie et finance)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB21 mars 202229 avril 20224 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, les citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les points suivants : Attendu que l’Alberta apporte la plus grande contribution, par habitant, au programme fédéral de péréquation et qu’elle a versé plus de 600 milliards de dollars depuis les années 1960 sans en bénéficier depuis 1962; Attendu que l’Alberta vivait dans une prospérité économique sans précédent lorsque la formule actuelle de péréquation a été décidée en 2014; Attendu que l’Alberta a connu depuis 2015 des pertes d’emplois et un fort taux de chômage, la pandémie de COVID-19 et un ralentissement économique aggravé par des mesures législatives du gouvernement libéral, notamment les projets de loi C-69 et C-48, et par la non-promotion des pipelines dont les effets dévastateurs se font encore et toujours sentir sur l’économie albertaine; Attendu que le gouvernement libéral a réitéré l’utilisation de la formule de péréquation dans le projet de loi omnibus de 2018 au moment même où l’Alberta accusait de graves pertes de revenus; Attendu que l’Alberta a versé des milliards de dollars et a en reçu une petite fraction par l’entremise du programme fédéral de stabilisation fiscale; Attendu que les premiers ministres des provinces ont demandé, dans une déclaration commune en 2019, la suppression du plafond de stabilisation. Au lieu de cela, les libéraux ont relevé le plafond à seulement 180 $ par habitant et limitent donc le montant qui revient à l’Alberta. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, les citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada : 1. d’appuyer et d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C-263, Loi sur l’équité en matière de péréquation et de transferts. Ce projet de loi mettra fin aux inégalités du programme fédéral de stabilisation fiscal en supprimant le plafond de stabilisation, en renforçant les référendums sur la péréquation et en empêchant que le gouvernement fédéral ne modifie unilatéralement la formule de péréquation; 2. de voir à ce que l’Alberta contribue encore à la prospérité de tous les Canadiens en défendant les pipelines, en s’assurant que le projet d’expansion de Trans Mountain soit mené à bien et que le droit de passage de la canalisation 5 soit toujours en vigueur et en militant pour la construction du pipeline de Keystone XL.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about federal transfers and pipelines.The Government of Canada recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses. The government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs. In 2022-23, Alberta will receive $7.1 billion through major transfers to help pay for health care, education and other social services.   Through federal investments of $27.2 billion over five years in early learning and childcare, Alberta will receive almost $3.8 billion over the five year agreement. The government has also announced $625 million over four years for provinces and territories for an Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund. This additional funding will help support Alberta’s implementation of the Canada-wide early learning and childcare system.In addition to the funding regularly provided to provinces and territories through major transfers, the Government of Canada has provided significant direct support for provinces and territories to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately eight out of every ten dollars invested to support Canadians and fight COVID-19 has come from the federal government[1]. The government provided more than $1.9 billion in direct payments to the Government of Alberta through the Safe Restart Agreement, the Safe Return to Class Fund and the Essential Workers Support Fund. Budget 2021 reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting provinces and territories through COVID-19. For instance, subsequent to the passage of Bill C-30, the government is providing an additional $4 billion to continue supporting Canada’s health care systems, including $465.3 million for Alberta, as well as $1 billion for our country’s immunization plan, including $116.3 million for Alberta. The government has also announced a $2 billion Canada Heath Transfer top up to clear backlogs and support hundreds of thousands of additional surgeries. This would provide $232 million to Alberta. Moreover, the unprecedented investment by the Government of Canada to help stabilize the economy with broad measures to support businesses and individuals supported Albertans and Alberta businesses, and also benefited provincial and territorial tax bases from the economic effects of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Business Account and other programs.The government recognized that energy-producing regions were facing the compounding challenges of COVID-19 and the impacts stemming from the 2020 shock to oil prices. The Government of Canada therefore announced significant funding to assist oil-producing provinces, including:
  • $1 billion to Alberta;
  • $400 million to Saskatchewan;
  • $320 million to Newfoundland and Labrador;
  • $120 million to British Columbia; and
  • A fully-repayable loan of $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Well Association, to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells. 
In addition, the Government of Canada is providing support to conventional and offshore oil and gas companies through the Emissions Reduction Fund.Equalization is the Government of Canada’s transfer program used to reduce fiscal disparities among provinces. The principle of Equalization is set out in the Constitution, namely “to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.” Since its inception in 1957, the Equalization program has provided benefits at some point in time to every province in Canada.  Equalization is funded entirely by the Government of Canada from general revenues; provincial governments make no contributions to the Equalization program. The allocation of Equalization payments is based on a measure of fiscal capacity, which represents the revenues a province could raise if it were to tax at the national average tax rate. Equalization supports provinces that have a lower-than-average ability to raise revenues by filling the gap between a province’s fiscal capacity and the national average fiscal capacity. Alberta does not receive Equalization because it has a higher-than-average ability to raise revenues, despite its recent economic challenges. Equalization reduces, but does not eliminate fiscal disparities; the fiscal capacities of non-receiving provinces remain above the national average. Equalization payments are calculated according to a formula set out in the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Actand in regulations made under the Act. They are calculated no later than three months before the beginning of a fiscal year. The details of the calculations are provided to provincial governments and are publicly available upon request.The legislation governing the Equalization program is reviewed on a periodic basis to ensure the program is meeting its objectives and using the most up-to-date and accurate measures in the determination of provincial entitlements. The Government of Canada consults regularly with provincial governments as part of the review process. For example, regular working level meetings were held between federal and provincial officials to discuss the 2019 renewal of Equalization.  Provinces were also consulted on the renewal at the December 2017 Federal-Provincial-Territorial Finance Ministers’ Meeting. Equalization was renewed for a five-year period beginning April 1, 2019 through the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1, which received royal assent on June 21, 2018. Improvements to the accuracy and efficiency of the calculation of entitlements were made through amendments to the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Regulations, 2007, which were published in the Canada Gazette Part II, Vol. 152, No. 14 on July 11, 2018. The Government of Canada will continue to work collaboratively with all provinces on Equalization in the lead-up to the next renewal of the program, which must take place before March 31, 2024.Another program – the Fiscal Stabilization Program – provides financial assistance to provinces in the event of sudden, significant declines in revenues, even if the province does not qualify for Equalization. The program provides financial assistance to any province faced with a year-over-year decrease of more than 5 percent in its non-resource revenues or of more than 50 percent in its resource revenues, with adjustments for interactions between the revenue sources.  Payments were capped at $60 per person for a given fiscal year.The Fiscal Stabilization program was last reviewed in 1995 and, following calls from provincial and territorial governments and academics for the program to be modernized, the Government of Canada proposed reforms in the Fall Economic Statement 2020 which were implemented by Bill C-30, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 19, 2021 and other measures. Specifically, the government indexed the maximum payment of $60 per capita, which was set in 1987, to Canadian economic growth per person since that time. As a result, the cap has nearly tripled to about $170 per person in 2020-21, and will grow in line with Canadian economic growth per person in the future, raising it to about $180 per person in 2021-22, for example. In years when the economy declines, the cap will remain at its preceding year’s level. For Alberta in particular, the maximum payment for 2020-21 has been raised from $265 million to about $748 million as a result of this change. The Minister of Finance retains the discretion to extend interest-free loans for eligible revenue declines above the cap, if requested by a province. In addition, the Government of Canada made technical changes to modernize and simplify the program. [1] Based on Finance Canada calculations of federal pandemic support and provincial and territorial government announcements. Other publicly available analysis has been conducted at a disaggregated jurisdictional level, such as in Still Picking up the Tab, released in August 2021 by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Pipelines remain the safest, most efficient way to transport petroleum products to markets.The Government of Canada consistently supported the Keystone XL project, and advocated for it at the highest levels of the U.S. government. The government is focused on creating conditions to attract investment, create jobs, and get Canada’s resources to export markets.To that end, the Government of Canada remains committed to the TMX project, which has created over 13,500 jobs in B.C. and Alberta, and will provide access to offshore markets.With regards to Line 5, it provides a reliable source of energy for Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ontario and Quebec. A shutdown of this pipeline would have a profound impact on jobs and supply chains, raise the cost of supplies in the region, and take a financial toll on many Canadian and U.S. refineries and businesses.Canada recognizes that Line 5 is a top priority issue affecting Canada’s national economy and energy supply. The Government of Canada has continuously advocated for the importance of Line 5 through engagements with the United States Administration. The Government of Canada is also collaborating with the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec, and industry and labour sectors. Canada has made every effort in its engagements with the United States to resolve the Line 5 issue informally. However, these efforts were unsuccessful. As a result, in October 2021, Canada formally invoked the 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty. The government is now in negotiations with the United States to ensure respect for its treaty obligations.Canada also remains active in monitoring and intervening to protect the continued safe operation of Line 5 in the face of litigation in United States federal court, submitting amicus curiae in May 2021, and February 2022, and making additional submissions to the court.Canada is supportive of all measures that would increase the pipeline’s environmental safety, which includes placing a portion of Line 5 in a tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac. The Great Lakes Tunnel Project would help make a safe pipeline even safer and continue to support the secure and efficient transportation of critical oil and gas products to the region and beyond.
AlbertaC-263, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les arrangements fiscaux entre le gouvernement fédéral et les provinces (péréquation)Paiements de péréquationPétrole et gazTransport par pipeline