NDP Leader Calls For A Better Carbon Deal
With the provincial government still reeling from the Supreme Court of Canada’s 6 - 3 decision allowing that a federal carbon tax is constitutional the SaskParty government has seemingly found a new local ally opposing the tax.
In a statement released by Saskatchewan NDP leader Dr Ryan Meili regarding the Supreme Court decision Dr Meili states the federal carbon tax is damaging to Saskatchewan’s economy and the tax takes more away from people than it gives back. A statement which mirrors very closely the position taken by Premier Scott Moe and the SaskParty.
Dr Ryan Meili - MJ Independent file photo
“The Saskatchewan NDP Caucus is focused on creating good jobs here in Saskatchewan, and prosperity for our province’s families and businesses.Today’s ruling means that Trudeau’s economy-wide carbon tax will continue to take more from the people of Saskatchewan than they get back, with people living in rural and remote areas being most affected. That’s not right,” Meili said in the statement.
Although not as critical as Scott Moe has been against the federal government the NDP’s provincial leader does take a shot at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, going so far to call it the Trudeau carbon taxx.
“The federal government must press pause on its plans to dramatically increase the carbon tax, especially while so many families across the country - not just in Saskatchewan - are struggling coming through the pandemic. Now is not the time to increase costs on working families.
Justin Trudeau must also acknowledge that the carbon tax disproportionately affects the Saskatchewan economy. With that fact comes a responsibility on the federal government to make dedicated investments that will make a difference here including support for workers in our hard hit industries and helping to create good sustainable jobs in renewable energy. Saskatchewan has many opportunities in biofuels, geothermal, solar and wind energy, but we need the federal support to kickstart these new industries, “ Meili said in the statement.
The NDP leader also does not spare Premier Moe from criticism stating the Premier could have used the past two years to get a better deal for Saskatchewan.
“This economy-wide price on carbon is not something that Saskatchewan people, or the Saskatchewan NDP support. Scott Moe chose to maintain the Trudeau carbon tax for two whole years instead of trying to negotiate a better deal,” Meili is quoted as stating.
The NDP leader also called for the Premier to negotiate a better deal for Saskatchewan farmers and families by immediately calling for the following to be negotiated:
Exempts fuel used for grain drying
Explores all options to limit costs for families
Ensures rebates leave regular families with more money in their pockets than they pay in carbon tax
The statement went on to state that given the effect of the pandemic ramping up the federal carbon tax at this time is economically a wrong move and will cause harm to Saskatchewan’s economy.
In December 2020 the federal government announced plans to increase the carbon tax significantly from $40/tonne in 2021 to $170/tonne in an effort to meet Canada’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions - including carbon dioxide - by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. The tax is set to rise to $50/tonne in 2022 and then increase $15/tonne annually until 2030.