Enserva’s Provincial Spotlight Series provides an overview of the latest policy updates, regulatory changes, and industry-specific developments in our members’ operating areas. In this edition, we revisit Alberta to explore topics pertinent to the energy services, supply, and manufacturing sectors.
ICYMI: The previous issue, published on May 7th, highlighted British Columbia.
Political Insights
The Conservative Party of Canada maintained their stronghold in Alberta in the 2025 federal election, winning 34 of 37 seats in the province. The Liberal Party secured two seats – Calgary Confederation, where Corey Hogan defeated a former UCP provincial minister, and in Edmonton Centre, where Eleanor Olszewski held on to the riding for the Liberals, previously represented by Randy Boissonnault.
While the Liberal Party’s new leadership under Prime Minister Mark Carney has sparked some speculation about potential shifts in direction, many longstanding concerns persist. Key federal policies remain misaligned with the realities of Alberta’s resource economy and continue to disadvantage the energy sector. Whether meaningful change is on the horizon remains to be seen.
Regulatory & Policy Updates
On May 12, Premier Danielle Smith announced an indefinite freeze on Alberta’s industrial carbon price, capping it at $95 per tonne — halting the previously planned increase to $110 in 2026 and $170 by 2030.
This decision was described as a direct response to economic uncertainty triggered by U.S. tariff threats, calling it necessary to maintain competitiveness for key sectors including oil and gas, petrochemicals, agriculture, and forestry. The freeze is positioned as a signal to both industry and Ottawa that Alberta will protect its economic interests. Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz stated the freeze does not alter Alberta’s net-zero by 2050 goal but reflects the need for “reasonable time frames and prices.”
Alberta Accord & Path Forward
Following the federal election, Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to pursue an “Alberta Accord” — a proposed agreement aimed at redefining the province’s relationship with Ottawa.
Key Demands include:
- Guaranteed port access for Alberta’s energy exports;
- Repeal of federal legislation seen as harmful to Alberta’s economy, including Bill C-69 and the emissions cap;
- Equal per capita transfers comparable to Ontario, B.C., and Quebec;
- A requirement for Alberta’s consent on any federal restrictions on its resource exports.
To advance these priorities, Alberta is launching negotiations with the federal government and forming the Alberta Next panel to explore long-term economic and constitutional options. A province-wide referendum on resulting proposals is expected in 2026.
Key Federal Cabinet Appointments
Prime Minister Carney’s new cabinet includes Tim Hodgson as Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. A former MEG Energy board member and Hydro One chair, Hodgson has a reputation for understanding the capital and infrastructure challenges associated with large-scale energy projects and has a long-standing relationship with Carney.
Industry leaders have noted his business background could support more constructive federal-provincial dialogue on energy and infrastructure priorities. That said, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has flagged concerns about Carney’s new Environment Minister, Julie Dabrusin, citing her past opposition to oilsands expansion and close relationship with Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Alberta’s lone federal cabinet minister, Eleanor Olszewski, has been appointed Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. This portfolio signals recognition of the growing threat posed by extreme weather and the need for long-term resilience planning across communities in Alberta and the Prairies.
With the federal government expected to revisit the emissions cap and other major files, the tone and direction of federal-provincial relations will be closely watched.
The Bottom Line:
Alberta’s role in federal politics has long been marked by discord with Ottawa, and while policy pressures are evolving, tensions remain. With new federal leadership in place, there may be an opening for a more collaborative relationship — but Alberta has set clear expectations for any reset. At the same time, the province is recalibrating its approach to carbon pricing and competitiveness in response to growing international trade threats.