Province amending Act in effort to fight federal emissions cap

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 20, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

ANNA SMITH

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Local Journalism Initiative

Proposed amendments to the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act seek to update the definition of essential infrastructure to include facilities where oil and gas production and emission data and records are held.

The definition would also include a two-kilometre-deep zone north of the Alberta-United States border, said the province, as a means to deter potential traffickers.

Those caught trespassing in the zone, interfering with, or damaging the essential infrastructure will be arrested, said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, as well as those who do not have a lawful reason to be on the infrastructure.

“Whether securing our border or calling on the federal government to scrap its harmful, job-killing emissions cap, our government will always prioritize public safety and defend Alberta’s interests,” said Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. “These amendments will ensure we have the necessary tools to protect our economy, industry and economic prosperity right now and in the years to come.”

The province continued on to say the amendments would “help protect Alberta’s economy and the province’s ability to continue producing responsible energy to meet the world’s growing demands,” in line with the 2024 Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act motion, which stated that all emissions data be exclusively owned by the province.

“The Critical Infrastructure Defence Act protects essential infrastructure by creating offences under the act for trespassing, interfering with operations or causing damage. Proposed amendments would also explicitly state the act applies to the federal government,” said the province.

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