LLOYDMINSTER, Alta. — While carbon tax or cap and trade systems have emerged as the popular avenues to curb greenhouse gas emissions, Alberta has taken a different route and even found a partner.

Earlier this year, the Alberta government revealed plans cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050. Part of the reduction plan included developing a system to capture air emissions from industrial sources and lock them permanently underground in deep rock formations – carbon capture and storage.

The environmental plan, however, was given less ink in the media than B.C.’s carbon tax plan – and subsequently the federal Liberal’s carbon tax proposal – as well as future plans to develop a cap-and-trade system in Ontario, Quebec and a handful of other jurisdictions.

The province pushed on with its made-in-Alberta solution, utilizing the help of economic and policy analysts, as well as a trio of Nobel Prize-winning scientists; and eventually landed a partner in the Saskatchewan government.

A joint cabinet meeting between the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments concluded with the two provinces agreeing to work together on a number of different issues.

At the beginning of September, the two provinces met in Canada’s border city and signed a protocol of cooperation to work closer together on initiatives surrounding energy, the environment, trade, education, health care and transportation.

"Alberta and Saskatchewan are two pistons that are helping to drive the Canadian economy," said Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach. "We have a lot in common, including robust energy sectors, a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and an understanding that by forging stronger ties our provinces will be best positioned for continued success."

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has been vocal lately in his opposition to a carbon tax or cap and trade system, specifically for not putting collected funds into a developmental fund.

"Saskatchewan and Alberta will continue to take our own unique paths," Wall said. "Still, there are great opportunities to co-operate – to the benefit of our respective citizens, to the benefit of the New West and to the benefit of all Canadians."

In an effort to provide more opportunities in the trucking sector, the provinces will work harder to harmonize their regulations. The Prairie provinces will aim to ensure that both provincial and federal transportation regulations don’t unnecessarily impede the competitiveness of industries in both provinces.