'Better late than never': Alberta glad B.C. premier has changed stance on carbon tax
CTV
The Government of Alberta was glad to hear that British Columbia’s premier has changed his tune on the consumer carbon tax at the provincial level.
The Government of Alberta was glad to hear that British Columbia’s premier has changed his tune on the consumer carbon tax at the provincial level.
Speaking Thursday, B.C. Premier David Eby said the province would end the consumer carbon tax if the federal government removed the legal requirement for it.
Nate Horner, Alberta’s finance minister, said there’s now “no reason” for the federal government to keep the requirement for the provincial retail carbon tax – an initiative the province has been an opponent of.
“Better late than never, and now there’s no time like the present for the federal government to move on this,” Horner said.
“The two main points are: this isn’t working as an environmental policy, it’s hurting the affordability of Canadians, and there has to be a better way.”
The questions about the permanency of the carbon tax arose after federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said his party would be drafting its own climate plan but wouldn’t say whether he would keep the consumer carbon tax if his party forms government after the next election.
Prime Minister Trudeau criticized Singh, saying the NDP is caving to political pressure from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre when it comes to their stance on the carbon price.
