You Won't Believe How Alberta's Shocking Deal Could Worsen Climate Change! Find Out Now!

Vancouver | Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) Nations | November 27, 2025: In a significant policy shift, the federal government of Canada and the province of Alberta have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that is raising alarms among environmental advocates and health professionals alike. The agreement proposes to expand fossil fuel infrastructure while rolling back critical climate commitments, a move that Dr. Melissa Lem, Past President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), has called a “thorough gutting” of Canada’s climate strategy.

Dr. Lem emphasized the dire implications of the agreement, stating that it includes a commitment to increase fossil fuel production, which is acknowledged as the leading cause of climate change. This expansion comes at a time when many experts argue that immediate and bold action is necessary to mitigate climate-related health risks. The MOU appears to delay, weaken, or altogether cancel several essential measures aimed at reducing climate pollution, including a clean electricity grid, an emissions cap for oil and gas, an oil tanker ban, an industrial carbon price, methane emission reductions, and protections against greenwashing.

One of the most contentious aspects of the agreement is the planned construction of a pipeline through territories of First Nations that have expressed opposition to the project, raising serious questions about consent and Indigenous rights. “It is beyond the pale to be doubling down on fossil fuel expansion at precisely the moment we need to be quitting oil and gas,” Dr. Lem said, highlighting the profound health impacts associated with increased fossil fuel dependence.

Climate pollution from expanded oil production exacerbates already alarming trends in extreme weather, extreme heat, infectious diseases, and food supply disruptions. Moreover, increased oil extraction is linked to deteriorating air quality, which can lead to higher rates of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and premature deaths in affected communities. The health implications of this MOU, according to Dr. Lem, could be profound and far-reaching, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, founded in 1994, aims to secure human health by protecting the environment. Dr. Lem’s comments reflect a growing concern among health professionals about the interplay between environmental policies and public health. “Overall, this agreement is a dangerous step backward,” she stated. “Canada needs bold leadership to safeguard our health and that of future generations.” Instead of expanding fossil fuel infrastructure, Dr. Lem advocates for increased investment in clean energy solutions that could create jobs and improve air quality.

This agreement signals a significant pivot in Canada's energy policy, raising important questions about the future of climate action in the country. With severe weather events becoming more frequent and intense, the risks posed by climate change are increasingly evident. The commitment to fossil fuels against the backdrop of these challenges not only undermines climate goals but also threatens the health and safety of communities across Canada.

As the debate unfolds, it is imperative for Canadian citizens and policymakers to consider the consequences of prioritizing fossil fuel expansion over public health and environmental sustainability. The call to action from health professionals is clear: Canada must pivot toward innovative solutions that prioritize both the environment and the health of its citizens, rather than granting further concessions to a declining fossil fuel industry.

For more information, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment can be reached through their Communications Director, Reykia Fick, at 647-762-9168 or via email at [email protected].