News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – An amendment to the Climate Change Act was introduced in the legislature today to allow for the transition from the more costly federal system to a provincial system for large industrial emitters of greenhouse gases. This system, an alternative to the federal government’s backstop plan, aims to reduce emissions while ensuring the province’s industries are not at a competitive disadvantage.

“Our output-based pricing system for large emitters is the best approach for New Brunswick because it recognizes the unique challenges our large emitters face while ensuring the province continues to be a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, “said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gary Crossman. “These amendments will ensure that New Brunswick facilities which voluntarily opted-in to the federal system can have the same opportunity under the provincial system.”

In June 2019, the provincial government released Holding Large Emitters Accountable: New Brunswick’s Output-Based Pricing System. The province received federal approval of its output-based pricing system on Sept. 20, 2020. Large emitters in New Brunswick are still subject to the federal system until that system formally stands down.

Under the new provincial system, large industrial emitters will be required to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 10 per cent by 2030. The New Brunswick system is consistent with the other Canadian output-based pricing systems including Saskatchewan, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador.

“We are waiting for the federal government to give us a start date on the provincial system to make sure that we have a New Brunswick output-based pricing system in place and operating as soon as possible,” said Crossman.

In 2016, the federal government set a target of lowering emissions by at least 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. New Brunswick has reduced emissions by 34 per cent since 2005 and is on track to help Canada meet its 2020 emission goal.