Poilievre Urges PM to Grant Liberal Free Vote on April 1 Carbon Tax Increase
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to permit a free vote on a Conservative motion to eliminate the 24 percent increase in the carbon tax scheduled for April 1. This call comes as several provincial Liberal leaders have voiced opposition to the hike.
The impending rise in the carbon tax is a significant concern for many Canadians, especially at the gas pump where prices could climb from 14.31 cents per litre to 17.61 cents per litre in certain provinces and territories. By 2030, prices might escalate to as high as 37.43 cents per litre, more than double the 2024 amount.
During question period on Tuesday, Poilievre highlighted that despite Liberal assurances of substantial rebates, many Canadians will end up paying the government hundreds of dollars per year due to the carbon tax.
Poilievre emphasized, “The prime minister’s tax will cost $1,500 for the average Nova Scotia family, surpassing what they receive in rebates. This is why Nova Scotia’s Assembly unanimously passed a motion backed by all three parties, urging federal MPs from the province to support the Conservatives.”
In response, Trudeau insinuated that Poilievre aims to strip Canadians of their rebates and offers little in terms of combatting the impacts of climate change felt across the nation. He criticized the lack of a comprehensive plan or financial support for Canadians.
Poilievre countered by pointing out that Ontario households could see annual costs of up to $600 due to the carbon tax. He also noted the disassociation of Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie from the federal Liberals on this issue, alongside Ontario’s Liberal Parliamentary Leader John Fraser’s affirmation that there are no intentions to introduce a provincial carbon tax on households.
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Poilievre also pointed out that according to the Vancouver Sun, the NDP budget in British Columbia estimates the carbon tax will generate $9 billion over three years, with only $3 billion in returns, resulting in a net cost of nearly $6 billion.
The Conservatives later issued a statement labeling the planned tax increase as the “April Fools’ carbon tax hike.”
Poilievre emphasized, “Seventy percent of Canadians and 70% of provincial Premiers oppose this tax hike. Liberal leaders nationwide have aligned with Common Sense Conservatives in calling for Trudeau to cancel the increase, including the Liberal Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as provincial Liberal Parties in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario.”
The statement concluded by stating, “Tomorrow, MPs will have the opportunity to vote on a Common Sense Conservative motion to stop the hike. Justin Trudeau must allow Liberal MPs a free vote on our motion to provide Canadians with the relief they urgently need.”
