Alberta Premier Says "Bananas" Federal Electric Vehicle Decree Will Cause Shortages and Rationing
The Alberta premier, Danielle Smith, has been vocal in her criticism of the federal government’s plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. According to Smith, this plan is not only unrealistic but also detrimental to the province’s economy.
Premier Supports Electric Vehicles, But Not Ottawa’s Approach
Smith has made it clear that she supports electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. In fact, she plans to purchase a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for her next personal vehicle. The Alberta government has already purchased three hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for its fleet, and the Edmonton International Airport has also acquired 100 EVs as part of a "5,000-vehicle challenge" in Edmonton.
However, Smith is strongly opposed to the federal government’s plan to require 20% of all cars sold in Canada to be zero-emissions by 2026. She believes this goal is not achievable and will lead to shortages and rationing of gas-fired vehicles.
Comparing Ottawa’s Plan to the Crow Rate
Smith has also drawn a parallel between Ottawa’s plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles and the old Crow Rate, which favored shipments of manufactured goods from Ontario to the West. According to Smith, Ottawa is using taxpayers’ money to create a new industry in Central Canada, while forcing other regions to be captive markets.
Call for Environment Minister Guilbeault’s Removal
Smith has called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fire Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, whom she believes is taking an extreme environmental stance that will hurt Canadians. She warns of further measures that could lead to increased costs and reduced consumer protection in the provinces.
Comparing Ottawa’s Plan to National Energy Program
Smith has also drawn a parallel between Ottawa’s plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles and the National Energy Program (NEP) conflict in the 1980s. According to Smith, Ottawa is trying to control Alberta’s energy industry and revenue, just as they did during the NEP.
Fighting Words for 2024
Smith’s comments have sparked a heated debate about the federal government’s plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles. Her words are likely to fuel further controversy in the coming year, with many Canadians questioning the feasibility of this ambitious plan and its potential impact on the economy.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how Ottawa will respond to Smith’s criticism and whether Trudeau will take her call for Guilbeault’s removal seriously. One thing is certain – 2024 promises to be an exciting and contentious year for Canadian politics.
Alberta Premier’s Full Statement
"We purchased three for the government, so we already have them in our fleet. There’s a 5,000-vehicle challenge going on in Edmonton. We’re on board with that. But the idea that within two years’ time 20% of all cars sold in Canada have to be zero emissions, it’s bananas. It’s not achievable.
"I can just warn Albertans that if this truly is implemented the way they say, by the time we get to Jan. 15 of 2026, we’ll have sold our allotment of gas-fired vehicles for that year."
Reaction from the Public and Media
The Alberta premier’s comments have sparked a lively debate on social media, with many Canadians weighing in on the feasibility of Ottawa’s plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles.
Some reactions include:
- "This is just another example of Ottawa trying to control our lives. We need to stand up for ourselves and fight back against this overreach." (@Canuck123)
- "I support electric vehicles, but this plan is unrealistic and will hurt Canadians. We need a more measured approach." (@EcoWarrior22)
- "This is just another example of Danielle Smith’s short-sightedness. She’s more concerned with politics than doing what’s best for Albertans." (@NDPfan4life)
Conclusion
The debate over Ottawa’s plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles is far from over. With the Alberta premier calling for Environment Minister Guilbeault’s removal and comparing Ottawa’s plan to the Crow Rate and NEP, it remains to be seen how this controversy will play out in the coming year.
One thing is certain – Canadians will continue to weigh in on this issue, with many questioning the feasibility of this ambitious plan and its potential impact on the economy.