Alberta's decision to cap on oilsands emissions supported by First Nations

#Alberta; #FirstNations; #TechFrontierMine; #greenhouseGas; #CapOnOilsandsEmissions

Alberta, Feb 23 (Canadian-Media): Alberta government's proposal to cap on oilsands emissions not only alleviates First Nation's concerns over the Teck Frontier oilsands emissions but also gets their support in moving the project forward, media reports said.

Oilsands. Image credit: Twitter handle

According to Teck estimates about four million tonnes of direct carbon emissions would be emitted by the project per year. 

It was estimated by the Oilsands Environmental Coalition (OSEC), carbon emissions from this project would be the equivalent of adding 891,000 cars to roadways.

Another concern was raised by Alberta's Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith objected that the approval of the Teck Frontier would hinder Canada to meet its net-zero emission target by 2050. 

To address this concern, Alberta Environment Minister Jason Nixon announced Friday that a cap on oilsands emissions would be enforced to alleviate concerns over Teck Frontier's greenhouse gas footprint.

So pleased to see support for Frontier from Chief Waquan and Chief Adam! Reconciliation can be advanced by ensuring First Nations are partners in prosperity & I am again calling on the federal government to approve the Frontier project. #cdnpoli #AbLeg https://t.co/O5wow66O2s

— Jason Nixon (@JasonNixonAB) February 23, 2020

An agreement was reached over the weekend between the provincial government and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) ahead of the Liberals' decision on the fate of the $20.6-billion mega-mine this week. 

​"I am again calling on the federal government to approve the Teck Frontier mine project...The opportunity that this project presents for our Indigenous communities, our province and the thousands of jobs it would create cannot be killed for political reasons. This project has played by the rules. It has followed the process. It's time to get it done," said Nixon.