Eby Confirms BC’s Plan to Repeal Consumer Carbon Tax When Federal Barrier Is Lifted
British Columbia Premier David Eby confirms that his government will expedite the removal of the consumer-based carbon tax once the federal law supporting it is rescinded.
Eby’s statement follows Mark Carney’s victory in the federal Liberal leadership race, where he reiterated his commitment to reversing the consumer carbon price during his speech on Sunday.
The premier expresses disappointment that the carbon tax, implemented since 2008, was politicized despite its role as a crucial tool in reducing carbon pollution in the province.
He reiterates that his NDP government had previously pledged to eliminate the consumer carbon price once Ottawa did the same, and they will act swiftly once the federal law supporting the current carbon pricing is revoked.
After Carney’s win as the new Liberal Leader, B.C. Opposition Leader John Rustad called on Eby to immediately eliminate the tax and cautioned against transferring the burden to businesses and workers through alternative levies.
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Eby assures that his government will uphold the accountability of major polluters in the province while providing relief to consumers facing high prices and living costs.
He promises, “For the people filling up their cars and heating their homes in British Columbia, we will ensure that the carbon tax does not burden them.”
Conversely, Rustad argues that B.C. must not transfer the tax burden solely to industry, as it would ultimately raise the cost of living for residents.
He warns against a deceptive approach where the tax is eliminated for consumers but passed on to businesses, resulting in increased prices for consumers.
Carney, following his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, pledges a swift transition, although the timeline for scrapping the federal carbon pricing system remains uncertain.
