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Will he do that? The answer to that question can determine the fate of this project.

Then there is the issue of overall emissions in Alberta. They continue to rise, accounting for 40 per cent of Canada’s total emissions. Canadians are demanding stronger action on climate change, and Canada has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. But that goal can’t be achieved without Premier Kenney’s willingness to co-operate, negotiate, and compromise. And it can be done without hurting the oil sector.

Teck Resources has committed to using innovative technologies to reduce per-barrel emissions in half compared to the North American average. Major energy companies are setting targets to be net-zero by 2050. What is required is Ottawa and Alberta working together to develop the right set of policies and incentives to help achieve these ambitious goals. I know Premier Kenney is serious about getting the Frontier project approved. But he should also be willing to sit down with the federal government to help Canada be net-zero by 2050.

Finally, the $70 billion of new tax revenue generated from the Frontier project can help us transition to a low-carbon economy. When the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project was approved, the federal government decided to allocate all federal revenues from the project to support clean technology innovation to reduce emissions. It should do the same with tax revenue from the Frontier project. Just imagine the possibilities of green jobs and a clean environment if the Alberta government commits to match the federal commitment.

And that would be a remarkable example of both governments working together for a common cause of growing the economy and protecting the environment.

Amarjeet Sohi is the former MP for Edmonton Mill Woods and was the federal minister of Natural Resources.