On Monday, protests erupted across the country against the federal carbon tax (the tax rate was increased by 23% on the same day), and Canada’s only Liberal provincial leader called an emergency meeting to discuss alternative ways to reduce emissions. I asked for
In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said the program is too expensive for the province and is not working as intended, calling it a “no-go” program for leaders across Canada. called for an emergency meeting to be held.
Instead, Furey is calling on the federal government to make “bold investments” in infrastructure and incentives similar to the US Inflation Control Act to encourage consumers to change their habits.
“Currently, in rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, gas-powered trucks transport fishing gear to docks. Even though an additional carbon tax will be imposed starting April 1, those same trucks will continue to Fishing gear must be transported to the pier,” Furey wrote. .
“There are no alternatives available. Therefore, the policy’s main objective of reducing emissions is not currently being achieved.”
I continue to call for a moratorium on today’s planned tax increases and have asked the Prime Minister to convene a meeting to discuss alternatives to the carbon tax. pic.twitter.com/dEkowjpngC
Prime Minister Trudeau responded today that while the cost of pollution is rising, so is Canada’s carbon rebate.
“That’s money in people’s pockets while we continue to step up the fight against climate change,” Trudeau said in an unrelated announcement in Ottawa.
“So prime ministers who are busy complaining about the cost of pollution and not offering concrete alternatives that they think are better for communities are just playing politics.”
Prime Minister Trudeau did not say whether he would heed Fury’s call for an emergency meeting.
As Canada’s carbon price rises, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says those who oppose a carbon tax are “playing politics.” His comments come as economists say the policy is the cheapest way to impact emissions and that qualifying Canadians could see increased rebates as early as April. I was disappointed.
Protests across Canada
Meanwhile, nationwide protests against the carbon tax have drawn large crowds and vehicles to at least 15 locations across Canada, including on Parliament Hill as well as major interprovincial highways.
Video posted on social media shows hundreds of cars, trucks, RVs and tractors lined up with Canadian flags and “Ax The Tax” signs. RCMP will be on scene for most demonstrations, but are warning motorists of delays.
The group behind the campaign says the goal is to maintain at least one lane “while maintaining queues indefinitely until the end of the carbon tax.”
From April 1, the carbon price will go from $65 to $80 per tonne of emissions, plus an extra 3 cents per liter at the gas pump.
In Narrative State, protester Mike Coons said the rebate payments would not change his opposition to the tax. According to Coons, “They don’t need to take our money and send it back to us because they feel sorry for us. The carbon tax drove everything up.”
Steve True, a small business owner at the intersection of Highways 1 and 22 on the outskirts of Calgary, said he joined the protest because he is struggling more than ever.
“I’m really tired of it because it’s going to be so difficult,” True said. “Bills just keep getting bigger and bigger and we can’t keep up.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poièvre said most average Canadian households pay more in carbon taxes than they receive in rebates, despite the Liberal government’s claims to the contrary.
sustained political resistance
Conservative leader Pierre Poièvre also continued his long campaign against carbon taxes. Poilievre spoke Monday afternoon ahead of a rally in British Columbia, pledging to repeal Trudeau’s flagship climate policy if elected.
“His approach is taxes. My approach is technology. His approach is to raise the cost of traditional energy that we still need. My approach is to lower the cost of alternative energy.” said the opposition leader.
Carbon tax policy has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. The premiers of seven states have called on the federal government to halt the increase or scrap the scheme altogether.
Some of those premiers, Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe, Alberta’s Daniel Smith and New Brunswick’s Blaine Higgs, made their case on Capitol Hill last week against a federal carbon price. They each testified virtually before MPs on the Government Operations and Estimates Committee, arguing that taxes raise the cost of everything and exacerbate inflation.
Demonstrators in Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick gathered to express dissatisfaction with the April 1 carbon tax increase, even though rebates have also increased in each province.
The Liberal government says eight in 10 households earn more in rebates than they pay in carbon taxes. This year, the average Canadian family of four will receive an annual rebate of between $760 and $1,800, depending on where they live.
Approximately 200 Canadian economists signed last week. open letter Defending carbon pricing as the least costly way for Canada to meet its emissions targets.
