(Ottawa) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is pushing back against premiers who are calling on him to cancel an upcoming increase in the federal price on carbon, saying they haven’t come up with better ideas to fight climate change.
In a response to the seven provincial leaders on Tuesday, Trudeau said the last time they discussed the issue in 2022, their governments had not proposed alternative solutions or were unable to meet the standards federal authorities in terms of reducing emissions.
“We have made clear that we are open to working with all provinces and territories that wish to establish their own pricing systems (provided they meet or exceed the national benchmark),” the letter states.
The premiers of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador have all requested to Prime Minister Trudeau to renounce the increase planned for 1er april.
The price of carbon is expected to increase by $15 per tonne, from $65 to $80. This increase is expected to add approximately three cents to the price of a liter of gasoline.
Executives cite inflation and the high cost of living as reasons to slow down. Most have also requested to testify before a House of Commons committee on the issue, with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe scheduled to appear via video conference on Wednesday.
Mr. Trudeau argued in his letter that it is essential to dispel the “misconception” that Canada’s carbon pricing system is a significant driver of inflation, because many factors come into play.
“According to the Bank of Canada, the price of carbon is only responsible for about 0.1 percentage points of annual inflation,” he writes.
He said his government remains open to working with provinces that offer a “credible system” of carbon pricing, provided it meets federal standards.
“We remain open to proposals for credible pollution pricing systems that reflect the unique realities of your regions and meet national standards. »
Mr. Trudeau’s push against the premiers is just the latest chapter in a years-long battle with provincial Conservative leaders over the Liberal government’s flagship climate policy.
This policy has come under considerable pressure in recent months, as concerns over affordability dominate the political agenda and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre campaigns tirelessly to say “no to the hike.”
Mr. Poilievre has been mobilizing support for months, holding rallies from coast to coast, raising money and selling party jerseys with his promise to “get rid of the tax” if the Conservatives form the next government.
While he is high in the polls, the Conservative leader can even highlight solidarity from the other side of the political aisle, while the only provincial Liberal leader, the premier of Newfoundland and Labrador , Andrew Furey, asks Mr. Trudeau for a break.
The prime minister defended his policy by pointing out that Canadians receive a quarterly check to offset the consumer price of carbon, a particularly generous rebate for low-income households.
He and his ministers have repeatedly criticized Mr Poilievre for peddling simple slogans without providing his own plan to tackle climate change.
The Conservative leader has provided few details so far, including whether he would keep in place the carbon price for large emitters, which is expected to represent the most significant reduction in emissions.
He is committed to promoting new technologies and accelerating the approval processes for clean projects.