The members of Industry Provincial Offset Group (IPOG), comprising approximately 93 companies/organizations representing over 50% of all covered industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. IPOG is dedicated to the design of a domestic offset system that ensures environmental integrity first and foremost, but also has the necessary flexibility for business solutions that leverage actions across the entire Canadian economy. IPOG believes that a successful and comprehensive offset system must have room to bring about these win-win solutions for the environment and the economy to the sustainable benefit of all Canadians.

IPOG began in June 2006 as a group of industry and provincial representatives, who were interested in continuing a national dialogue on a domestic offset system. Now, Co-chaired by Shell and Blue Source, the objective of the group is to develop useful, constructive recommendations on policy options that reflect the desires, expectations and needs of those who are, and will be engaged in reducing GHG emissions across Canada, once a domestic offset system is in place.

The value proposition that IPOG brings to the table for designing a national approach to a carbon offset system is:

1. A strong set of inter-provincial companies, governments and Non Government Organizations that can establish the necessary buy-in and linkages for a national system;
2. The necessary expertise to design and implement a ‘fast start’ to the system; and
3. A broad set of experience and input to ensure that those who have the capacity to engage in reducing and removing GHG emissions across Canada can participate in the system.

Provinces, industry, NGOs and the Federal government should work together to expedite the launch of an offset trading system, complete with the tools and infrastructure required to establish the necessary confidence for buyers and sellers in the early stages of Canada’s carbon market development.