Statement on the Release of the Alberta Public Inquiry Into Anti-Alberta Energy Campaigns

IISD is Canada’s largest sustainable development think tank. For 30 years, we have been working collaboratively with different stakeholders around the world to advance evidence-based solutions to the climate crisis. In all those years, this is the first time we’ve been the subject of a public inquiry.

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of our democracy. The right to express opinions on matters of public policy should be protected by every level of government in Canada. We welcome Commissioner Allan’s finding that "I have not found any suggestions of wrongdoing on the part of any individual or organization. No individual or organization, in my view, has done anything illegal. Indeed, they have exercised their rights of free speech."

We will continue to urge governments around the world to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and invest in a clean energy transition to prevent catastrophic climate change. This transition is already underway; countries with targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050—including Canada—represent 68% of global GDP. And every scenario in the International Energy Agency’s latest global energy forecast now projects a decline in oil demand in the coming decade.

Alberta’s future prosperity would be better served by governments investing public money in diversifying the economy, building on the real strengths that have always powered the province: a skilled workforce, an entrepreneurial spirit, and abundant resources.