Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday, where she told him a net-zero power grid by 2035 is “not possible.” 

A net zero power grid produces as much clean energy as it consumes, resulting in net zero carbon emissions.

The Federal Liberal Party’s goal is to achieve net-zero by 2035. Smith, seated next to the PM, said Alberta aims to have one by 2050.

“I’ve indicated to the Prime Minister that it is not possible by 2035,” Smith said.

Trudeau said that a working group would be put together “where we will be able to sit down, and really look at what our experts are saying, what your experts are saying…”

He continued, “… figure out the common ground, figure out the path forward that’s going to make sure we’re responding to the energy needs of a growing economy around the world while at the same time making sure we get to that net zero by 2050 that we all agree on.” 

Smith also said the feds’ 42% emissions reduction of 2005 levels by 2030 is “essentially a production cap,”  which she also said is not possible.

Last, Smith asked for Parliament to be recalled to figure out how to put an end to the BC dockworkers’ strike, including potentially back-to-work legislation. 

About 7,400 port workers, all members of British Columbia’s International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), voted overwhelmingly in support of a strike two weeks ago — and over last weekend, they officially went on strike.

The strike impacts more than 30 ports, including Canada’s largest port, the Port of Vancouver. Over $300 billion (CAD) worth of goods travel through Canada’s West Coast ports – accounting for about 16% of Canada’s internationally traded goods.

Trudeau didn’t commit to recalling Parliament but said he would “put pressure” on both parties.