But the data from the past two decades doesn't support that. Alberta was responsible for more than half of the increase in global warming pollution, and for 18% of Canada's GDP growth. Quebec was also responsible for 18% of our GDP growth, and actually reduced its emissions, while Ontario contributed 40% to GDP and 10% to emissions growth.
We don't need to accept rising global warming pollution as the cost of economic health, particularly with clean energy poised to become one of the largest industrial sectors in the world over the next decade.
What's more, the rapid rise in tar sands exports is actually having a negative impact on jobs in some parts of the country. Manufacturing is suffering in Ontario and Quebec partly due to the rising Canadian dollar. As oil exports have risen, our currency has become increasingly linked to the price of oil. The Petro-Loonie is set to soar if tar sands expansion proceeds as planned, and oil prices continue to rise.
Provinces like Ontario have recognized that the future energy economy will be green, and that jobs can be created by leading in transition from oil to clean energy. As a country, that's the type of economic engine we need, rather than hitching our wagon to dirty energy.
Gillian McEachern
Program Manager, Climate and Energy
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