Trudeau Accuses Newfoundland Premier of Bowing to ‘Political Pressure’ for Carbon Tax Stance

Trudeau Criticizes Newfoundland Premier for Allegedly Giving in to ‘Political Pressure’ on Carbon Tax Position

March 15, 2024 TruthUSA

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Newfoundland and Labrador’s Liberal premier of giving in to “political pressure” for joining other provincial leaders in criticizing the April 1 carbon tax increase.

Premier Andrew Furey penned an open letter earlier this week asking Ottawa to pause the 23 percent tax increase, saying Canadians are already living under incredible “financial strain.”

Mr. Trudeau described Mr. Furey’s letter as proof that the Newfoundland and Labrador premier is “continuing to bow to political pressure.”

“I think Canadians in Newfoundland and Labrador and right across the country, expect their governments to do the right thing,” Mr. Trudeau said during a March 15 press conference.

“The right thing, right now, is not just fighting climate change and spurring innovation for the future. It’s about being there to support Canadians during this affordability crisis.”

The carbon tax is set to increase $15 on April 1, from $65 to $80 per tonne. The federal charge will be applied across the country except in British Columbia, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories where they collect their own fuel tax.

Trudeau Says ‘Nobody Is Talking About’ Carbon Rebates

Mr. Trudeau lamented during the press conference that “nobody is talking about” the carbon tax rebates, which “puts more money in the pockets of eight out of 10 families across the country.”

The prime minister said many Canadians are feeling squeezed by the country’s cost of living crisis, which is why it is “basic math” to continue with federal carbon rebates.

“I know that first Canadians want to fight climate change,” he said. “Second, they want more money in their pockets. And that is exactly what our approach on carbon pricing delivers across Canada.”

Although the prime minister has steadfastly maintained the Canada Carbon Rebate offsets the rising price of fuel, a 2023 Parliamentary Budget Officer report refuted the government’s assertion.

Mr. Trudeau also criticized “short-term thinker politicians” during a March 13 press conference, referring to those who opposed the carbon tax. He said the incoming tax increase was a “logical way” for Canada to address the impacts of climate change.

The federal government rebranded the carbon tax rebate in February, changing its name from the Climate Action Incentive to the Canada Carbon Rebate. When announcing the change, Labour and Seniors Minister Seamus O’Regan acknowledged they needed to “speak the language that people speak” by changing the name to include the word “carbon.”

The change was made after a Leger survey found 69 percent of poll respondents did not support the Liberals’ plan to increase the carbon tax on April 1. The poll, commissioned by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, found that 31 percent of Canadians who supported the carbon tax increase tended to be under the age of 34 and living in an urban area.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has repeatedly vowed to “axe the tax” if he becomes prime minister. His party has introduced several unsuccessful motions into Parliament calling for the Liberals to get rid of the carbon tax.

Jennifer Cowan contributed to this report.

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