This release was issued under a previous government.

On the advice of leaders from industry and leading environmental organizations, government committed to legislate an overall annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limit of 100 megatonnes for oil sands production, with allowances for new upgrading and co-generation.

The OSAG will be led by three co-chairs and supported by 15 plenary members. It will report to government with advice in three important areas:

  • Implementing the legislated annual GHG emission limit
  • Best investments in innovation to reduce GHG emissions intensity in oil sands production
  • Developing durable, effective structures and processes to address local and regional environmental issues (i.e., air, land, water, biodiversity, cumulative effects)

Plenary members will serve for 24 months and the government expects the advisory group will convene in the next few weeks and deliver advice on the first issue area in six months.

The group will also develop a recommendation on an advisory project it would undertake on a pathway to 2050, including responding to federal and other initiatives that may affect the oil sands after 2030.

The OSAG members will engage with their sectors more broadly to ensure a full range of views in all discussions. A plan to engage the public on these important issues, particularly in oil sands producing areas, is also being developed.

“The advisory group will help our government address central issues on this key Alberta job creator and economic driver: how to establish and sustain Alberta’s climate leadership among energy-producing jurisdictions; how to better steward our air, land and water; and how to take advantage of current and future market opportunities while meeting the needs of indigenous and non-indigenous communities.”

Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks; Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office

“The simple fact is Alberta can’t let its emissions grow without limit, but we can grow our economy and our market by showing leadership, including reducing our carbon output per barrel.”

Margaret McCuaig-Boyd, Minister of Energy

“Alberta’s oil sands operators look forward to participating in this group to give the government the best possible advice to address key oil sands issues and opportunities. It is the diversity of this group and its problem-solving focus on emissions leadership, local environmental performance and innovation that will help de-escalate conflict and contribute to the ongoing success of this important industry.”

Dave Collyer, Oil Sands Advisory Group Co-chair, former president of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and of Shell Canada

“This is a pivotal moment for Alberta and Canada as we chart a pathway to address cumulative impacts in the oilsands, implement new climate plans and develop a strong low carbon economy. I am honoured to be appointed as Co-Chair to this advisory group and looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and developing workable solutions to be leaders at home and on the world stage.”

Tzeporah Berman, Oil Sands Advisory Group Co-chair; Adjunct Professor of Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University

“I look forward to co-chairing the OSAG - ensuring that the wisdom of all communities is reflected in our advice and that Indigenous knowledge and values are meaningfully included. I believe we can reach a unified vision on Alberta’s climate change objectives for the oil sands.” 

Melody Lepine, Oil Sands Advisory Group Co-chair; Director, Government and Industry Relations, Mikisew Cree First Nation

On Nov. 22, 2015, the Government of Alberta announced a historic new strategy on climate change based on recommendations put forward by the Climate Change Advisory Panel.

The Climate Leadership Plan will set a better course for our economic future and for a sustainable Alberta. Government has stepped up, at long last, to face one of the world’s biggest problems and one of our energy economy’s clearest challenges.