Environmental activists highlighted Alberta's climate record on Wednesday at the COP28 climate summit by awarding the province what is called the "Fossil of the Day" award.

The Climate Action Network distributes the award daily at the United Nations Climate Summit conferences, but it is usually given to national governments, not a province or state. In previous summits, Canada has received the award multiple times under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Alberta has been recorded in the bad climate books due to its temporary ban on large-scale wind and solar energy projects in the province and for producing such a large share of Canada's emissions.

Alberta, "We don’t want you to end up like the one with the same name, the long-extinct Albertosaurus. Listen to what the people in your province want – a plan to transition from reliance on volatile fossil fuels to clean energy opportunities, in a way that protects workers – or you will fall behind.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith spoke at two different events at the climate summit with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.

Both promoted emissions reduction investments by their governments, highlighted the growth of carbon capture industries in their provinces, and targeted the federal government for not being an ally on important economic and environmental policies.

They specifically pointed to the lack of cooperation on the federal government’s proposed methane regulations unveiled a few days ago and the upcoming cap on oil sands emissions.

Smith said, "We are currently using brute force just by going to court and convincing the Supreme Court and federal courts to clarify some of these issues for the federal government. I think we will have to do more of that."

She continued: "Unfortunately, what you may see is the fundamental dysfunction we face in Canada right now, which is that the federal government does not respect provincial jurisdiction."

Alberta opposes clean electricity regulations

The Alberta government announced last week that it will oppose the clean electricity regulations set by the federal government.

In October, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled against Ottawa and in favor of arguments presented by provincial governments regarding how major projects are approved in the country.

When the federal government announced stricter methane gas rules earlier this week, it said it would start consultations with provinces and other stakeholders starting later this month.

Over the years, some conservative politicians have criticized the United Nations Climate Summits as a waste of time and "a lot of chatter," as described by former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney while in office two years ago.

Meanwhile, Smith and Moe say it is important to be present at this event, echoed by former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, who joined them on stage to attend an event at the Saskatchewan pavilion on Wednesday.

Charest said, "I can guarantee you, if you don’t go, no one will do it for you and you have to be here. I strongly believe that if you don’t show up, you won’t be able to raise this issue."

The Saskatchewan pavilion features a small meeting space and a video screen to promote emissions reduction technologies in the province.

The pavilion hosts events that accommodate about 40 people. The place was crowded with the premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan. About half the seats were filled for the subsequent event.

The total advertising expenditure and pavilion cost is about one million dollars, but in an interview with CBC News, Moe said he has no regrets about the purchase.

He said, "Not at all, in fact, it’s working better than planned," "This is not something we do every year. This is something we can do this year because of the relationship we have built with the United Arab Emirates."