Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc says taking “ambitious” action to tackle climate change in all regions of the country will be critical to protecting Canada’s long-term economic potential.

In an interview with West Block Guest host Eric Sorenson, LeBlanc expressed confidence that the government can work with the provinces to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and described Alberta Premier Jason Kenney as a “friend” with whom he has worked. had a “cordial and positive” dialogue.

“We believe that Canadians in all parts of the country, including Alberta, want the government to take concerted and effective action – ambitious action in the fight against climate change,” said LeBlanc.

“But at the same time, (Canadians) recognize that work itself is essential to securing long-term sustainable jobs not only in the resource sectors, but across the country.”

READ MORE: New Federal Environment Minister says his climate plan is not a ‘secret program’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled his new cabinet last week, promoting a number of new faces while removing several familiar faces from positions of trust around the cabinet table.

Among the appointments that have raised questions were the appointment of long-time environmental activist Steven Guilbeault as Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the transfer of former Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson to the natural resources post.

Former Liberal cabinet minister Anne McLellan said the cabinet suggested focusing on the need for “sustainable and inclusive prosperity”.

“It means that you take into account the fact that there have been people who have been excluded from our economic opportunities in this country. This means that you take into account the fact that our economy is probably at the start of a transition to net-zero by 2050, ”she said.

“But much of what this government in Ottawa and other governments across Canada need and want to accomplish will depend on strong and sustainable economic growth.”

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Former Conservative Deputy Leader Lisa Raitt echoed McLellan’s comments, stressing the importance of focusing on economic growth, even among cabinet ministers who now find themselves in “traditionally” non-economic portfolios.

“The economy and economic growth are actually the means by which we can ensure the prosperity of our country, so it is very important for (ministers) to think about it all the time,” she said.

“We need to have a solid plan on how to achieve economic growth above the sluggish one percent, half a percent that we are currently experiencing in recent years. “

The cost of renewable technologies, such as wind and solar, has fallen dramatically over the past decade, becoming the cheapest form of energy last year, according to recent data the World Economic Forum and the International Renewable Energy Agency.

The 2020 report found that 62% of renewable energy sources that became available last year were “cheaper than the cheapest new fossil fuel.”

Despite this, Canada is still one of the largest producers of fossil fuels, ranking sixth among energy producers in the world.

As the oil, gas and coal industries are on a global decline, said Tzeporah Berman, chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, they will need to drop to “near zero by 2050” to make a real difference.

“The point is, we have to stop the production and emissions of all oil, gas and coal, and we have to stop the expansion now,” she said. “It doesn’t mean we don’t use fossil fuels – we do – and it doesn’t mean we won’t produce them in the future, but we will produce less.”

Berman, who is also director of the international program of Stand.Terre, said the federal government must provide a clear signal to fossil fuel-producing industries that change is coming, to avoid repetitive billion-dollar subsidies and bailouts that act as lifelines. short-term rescue.

“We have to look at economic diversification and we have to recognize that this is an industry that is going to have to close in the next 10 to 20 years,” she said.

“We need to plan so that no worker and their family are left behind. But if we continue to ignore this problem, if we continue not to plan, it will be more difficult and more people will suffer.

“This money must be spent on real solutions. “