Government of Manitoba letter announcing adoption of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change

Minister of Sustainable Development

Legislative Building
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA
R3C 0V8

February 20, 2018

The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
200 Sacré-Cœur Boulevard
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3

Dear Minister,

I am writing to acknowledge and build upon the significant progress our respective senior officials have made towards finalizing Manitoba’s adoption of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

I fully agree with your observation that Canada and Manitoba share common climate goals and that the Pan Canadian Framework is a powerful tool for collaboration. These principled foundations have guided our own Made in Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, which reflects the flexibility necessary to focus action here through designed policy priorities – including a carbon pricing mechanism – adapted to our specific circumstances. As you also know, our carbon pricing approach differs from the federal pricing benchmark and projected price schedule.

I am advised that we do not have to resolve these differences now; but rather we can move forward with adoption by simply respecting and reserving the positions of our governments. To that end, we should both have the benefit of clarity.

I therefore confirm that Manitoba is prepared to adopt the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change immediately, on the understanding that by doing so we are not agreeing to the price schedule set out in the federal carbon pricing benchmark or to application of the federal backstop. Given this, I understand that Manitoba’s full allocation under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund will be available to it, in accordance with the program’s terms and conditions.

Please confirm by return that these understandings respecting Manitoba’s adoption of the framework are mutual.

I now look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible, in order that we can turn our attention to necessary coordination on the announcement of this significant milestone.

Thank you for you collaborative leadership, outreach and facilitation throughout this process, and for the work and dedication of the many federal officials supporting your efforts.

Yours sincerely,

Honourable Rochelle Squires
Minister of Sustainable Development

cc. Michael Richards
Deputy Cabinet Secretary and
Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs