December 1,2025
RED FM News Desk
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says her decision to support the Carney government in last month’s budget vote was a “mistake” she won’t repeat. She says she feels misled after learning that Prime Minister Mark Carney later agreed to extend federal tax credits to enhanced oil recovery as part of an energy deal with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith — a move she describes as a “significant betrayal” and a reversal of earlier assurances.
May says she backed the budget only after then-minister Steven Guilbeault, acting on assurances from the PM’s office, told her enhanced oil recovery would not receive federal subsidies. Ten days after her vote, however, the Alberta agreement committed Ottawa to providing those very tax credits, including for major CCUS projects and enhanced oil recovery. Guilbeault’s frustration with this reversal also contributed to his decision to leave cabinet.
Although May maintains she voted in good faith and secured a reaffirmation of Canada’s Paris climate commitments, she says the government broke its word — and she will not support it again in a confidence vote. The budget would have passed regardless, due to abstentions from both the NDP and Conservatives.
Energy Minister Tim Hodgson defended the inclusion of enhanced oil recovery tax credits, saying the measure is important to Alberta, permanently stores carbon underground, and would generate strong demand for Canadian steel.
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