Calgary | Traditional, Unceded Territory of the Mohkinstsis People | November 4, 2024 — In response to the federal government’s announced cap on oil and gas industry pollution, Dr. Joe Vipond, a Calgary-based emergency physician and CAPE past president, said:

“As a physician, I’m relieved to see the federal government finally stepping up with this emissions cap on oil and gas pollution. Today’s announcement is a major win for public health and a powerful message to big polluters that their emissions must come down.

“This emissions cap responds to what people in Canada and Alberta want—a commitment to cleaner air, healthier communities, and a sustainable future for our children. The majority of Albertans, six out of ten, support stricter oil and gas emission regulations, and polls show that Premier Smith’s stance against this action is out of step with what Albertans want.

“We know that voluntary measures aren’t enough; robust regulations are essential to protect health and this cap is an important start. However, while this announcement is a big step forward, the cap’s current emissions-reduction target falls short of what’s needed to fully protect public health. CAPE’s recent report found that matching the oil and gas sector’s cap to the national target of a 45% reduction below 2005 levels could prevent 4,800 premature deaths from air pollution in the next decade alone.

“It’s also important to note that this emissions cap isn’t about limiting production; it’s about reducing pollution to protect people’s health and our environment. In reality, this cap is a critical and overdue measure to ensure that oil and gas companies do their fair share in reducing pollution to protect people and the environment from worsening health and climate impacts.

“More needs to be done, but this is a step in the right direction for health and climate safety and in reaching Canada’s climate goals.

“CAPE continues to support and urge the government to act quickly to close remaining loopholes and turn this draft into enforceable regulation. Canadians are already doing their part to reduce emissions. We need oil and gas companies to step up and do theirs. CAPE urges the federal government to solidify these regulations, strengthen them where needed, and bring them into law without delay.”

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CAPE media contact:

Reykia Fick, Communications Director, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), 647-762-9168, media@cape.ca