Wilkinson Denies Carbon Rebates to Saskatchewan Following Non-Remittance Promise
The federal natural resources minister states that Saskatchewan residents will not receive a carbon rebate following the province’s decision to cease remitting the natural gas levy to Ottawa.
Jonathan Wilkinson expresses concern that lower-income families in Saskatchewan will be adversely affected since they would receive more in rebates than what they pay in levies.
Premier Scott Moe previously announced that the province’s gas utility would no longer collect the carbon price from customers starting in January. The province had until Thursday to send those funds to Ottawa.
SaskEnergy is in violation of federal emissions regulations by choosing not to remit the levy, which could lead to fines or potential jail time for executives.
Mr. Wilkinson labels Saskatchewan’s actions as reckless, citing that the law to implement a carbon levy was upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada.
He highlights the challenge of providing rebates when no funds are being collected.