(Ottawa) Federal government accuses Atlantic premiers of playing petty politics on serious climate issues, as two new federal policies are set to take effect on 1er July in these provinces.
But some Atlantic Liberal MPs are worried about the potential backlash for consumers at the pumps, even though some price hikes could be premature.
The four Atlantic premiers want Ottawa to delay the coming into force of its Clean Fuel Regulations on Saturday, arguing that the measure will have a disproportionate impact on their provinces.
The Premiers are calling on the federal government to delay the coming into force of this measure in order “to make life more affordable for everyone”.
In Ottawa, it is assured that the entry into force of its Clean Fuel Regulations will not have much financial impact during the first years, since most companies are already taking action that meets the initial requirements.
But three Atlantic power boards, which set gasoline prices in their province, decided to raise pump prices anyway, even as provincial carbon pricing systems are replaced by the federal system.
Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault counters that regulations were already delayed two years ago and says they won’t be delayed again because climate change won’t wait.