The Conservation Council of New Brunswick says the province is facing an opportunity when it comes to carbon reduction programs.
Louise Comeau says whether a cap and trade or carbon tax system is chosen, New Brunswick is in a position to become a carbon sink with private and public forests.
“And the real issue is to make sure that it’s done fairly and transparently, that you’re counting the right things, that they’re permanent and so on,” says Comeau. “But if you can do that, there is definitely an opportunity.”
She says companies should diversify the species of trees they grow, and be more selective in logging to take advantage of this possible carbon sink.
“But regardless, both of them can generate revenue that is invested in solutions,” says Comeau. “We also believe that any revenue raised, no matter how government does it should be invested in solutions.”
Comeau says carbon prices are usually set quite low, so there is no guarantee about the emissions reductions you will get.
She adds the cap and trade has an advantage the CCNB likes.
“Which is that it has a regulated cap, governments should be regulating,” says Comeau. “And when you have a regulated cap you tend to get more certainty around the greenhouse gas reductions that you will achieve.”
Comeau says the provincial government could also follow British Columbia’s lead and commit to carbon neutrality.
