The Manitoba government has launched a public consultation period to gather input on proposed cap-and-trade laws aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The consultation is part of Manitoba’s commitment, announced in December 2009, to move forward on enabling legislation to create a cap-and-trade system.
In June 2007, Manitoba joined the Western Climate Initiative (WCI). It is expected that Manitoba’s system would integrate with the WCI, meaning that Manitoba will be able to participate in the WCI trading system with BC, Ontario, Québec, California as well as other several U.S. states. The WCI’s goal is to reduce GHG emissions in the region by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020.
In 2008, Manitboa’s GHG emissions was 21.9 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) or approximately 3% of Canada’s total GHG emissions. Manitoba’s GHG emissions profile is unique among Canadian jurisdictions. Unlike other Canadian provinces whose GHG emissions come from a small number of large emitters, the majority of Manitoba’s GHG emissions come from many smaller emitters across a wide range of sectors.
Manitoba’s proposed cap-and-trade program would affect approximately 18 emitters that release more than 25,000 kilotonnes each of GHGs per year. Another group of about 36 emitters that each release 10,000 kilotonnes of CO2e per year or more (but less than 25,000 kiltonnes) would only be required to report their emissions.
According to data from Environment Canada, in 2008 the Koch Fertilizer plant in Brandon was the largest emitter in Manitoba, followed by Manitoba Hydro, Winnipeg’s Brady Road Landfill, TransCanada Pipelines and HudBay Minerals.
Comments on the proposed cap-and-trade program can be made online through the Manitoba Conservation Department website until March 15, 2011.