A local MLA is calling out the federal government over their plans to increase their carbon tax to $170 a tonne by 2030.
They announced last week plans to tackle climate change over the next 10 years which included raising the annual increase on the tax from $10 to $15 starting in 2023.
Laila Goodridge, MLA for Fort McMurray – Lac La Biche, tells Mix News this decision goes against what they previously stated about the tax.
A previous report published by the Parliamentary Budget Office noted the carbon price could hit as high as $102 a tonne under the current legislation with former Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, according to CBC News, stating they had no plans to raise the tax after 2022.
“We can clearly see that was a lie and I think it’s really important that we point that out,” said Goodridge.
She added the increase also comes at a time when many across Canada are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn. Through the federal tax program, households can receive rebates.
“I do think that a consumer carbon tax which raises the price of everything for working families, businesses is absolutely not a solution.”
Goodridge also believes the province’s ‘Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction, or TIER, system’ is a much better solution to help cut emission levels.
The system would help facilities find innovative ways to reduce their emissions, while also implementing a $30-per-tonne carbon fee.
