The NDP’s shift in position on the federal carbon tax reflects the party’s struggle to balance the demands of progressive climate change policies with the concerns of working-class individuals impacted by these policies, according to several political science professors. This dynamic has led the party to distance itself from the increasingly unpopular Liberals with which it had previously aligned.
“The NDP faces a unique challenge regarding environmental policy, as they need to appease both environmentally conscious supporters and those in industries affected by carbon pricing,” explained Daniel Westlake, a political studies professor at the University of Saskatchewan. “This requires careful navigation to maintain unity among these two voter groups.”
Previously staunch supporters of the carbon tax, the New Democrats have now shifted their stance, even voting in favor of a Conservative motion on April 10 calling for a summit on the carbon tax with the premiers. This change comes after the party expressed reluctance to see the carbon tax increased on April 1 due to the cost-of-living challenges faced by Canadians, although they did not completely oppose the tax.
On April 11, NDP leader Mr. Singh stated a preference for an industrial price on carbon over other climate change policies, criticizing the latter for burdening working families while benefiting big polluters.
The ongoing debate in Parliament surrounding the impact of the carbon tax on the cost of living in Canada intensified following a recent increase in the tax from $65 to $80 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions. The Liberals argue that most households will receive more in rebates than they pay in the carbon tax, while the Conservatives contend that the tax is detrimental to households.
A 2023 PBO report indicated that Ottawa’s carbon tax would result in a “net loss” for most Canadian households in 2024–25, despite federal rebates. Mr. Trudeau expressed confusion over the NDP’s shift in support for the carbon tax, which Mr. Singh clarified by affirming the party’s continued backing for pricing pollution.
