The provincial government is clarifying information around its greenhouse gas emission targets following statements from the environment minister in the House of Assembly, during which she accused the media of not telling the truth about the situation.

NDP MHA Sheilagh O’Leary, referencing reporting by The Independent, questioned Andrea Barbour about government’s emissions projections for 2030 – which she says exceed targets by two megatons.

O’Leary asked when government’s climate action plans will be finished and when people will see “decisive action” on the issues.

Media ‘twisted’ draft report claims minister

Barbour responded by saying she’s glad to “clear the air” because “the media took the narrative and twisted it and wrote what they wanted…and they didn’t say the truth.” She says the story was based on a “draft model” obtained through Access to Information.

The minister went on to say that government’s model is under development, and the information in the document is only a “snapshot.”

Barbour was not available to speak with media following Question Period, and has not been available for any other requests made since the House of Assembly opened for the fall sitting.

In a statement, government says it is working on a new greenhouse gas model that is consistent with existing financial and economic models, which they call a “positive step” in being able to project and monitor emissions.

It says the draft model that has been reported on does not include initiatives that will be developed under the new plan, and that it is “premature” to discuss next steps until consultations are finished and the plan is finalized.