Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Official Opposition, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling on the Liberal Carbon Tax:
 
“Canada’s Conservatives will repeal Justin Trudeau’s Carbon Tax. We will protect the environment and fight the reality of climate change, but we won't do it by making the poorest pay more.
 
“The Supreme Court recognized that policies related to emission reduction touch on federal and provincial jurisdiction. Conservatives prefer a collaborative approach to tackling climate change to make progress while also helping maintain a strong economy.
 
“After promising not to, Justin Trudeau tripled the Carbon Tax, jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of jobs. Under Trudeau, Canada’s unemployment rate is among the highest in the G-7 and we are experiencing the worst economic growth since the great depression. It’s impossible to understand why Trudeau would choose now, of all times, to put Canadians out of work.
 
“The Supreme Court highlighted the risk of carbon leakage between provinces. The same risk of leakage of jobs and investment exists between Canada and the United States.
 
“Canada’s Conservatives will put forward a clear and comprehensive climate plan focused on reducing emissions, but we won’t do it on the backs of the poorest and working Canadians.
 
“Our relentless focus will remain on securing jobs, securing the economy, and securing our future.”

Ottawa, ON – Dan Albas, Conservative Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, released the following statement regarding Justin Trudeau’s plan to triple the Carbon Tax:

“Fighting climate change at home and around the world is an important goal that takes work. Canadians agree on the importance of protecting our environment and natural spaces, and it is an issue that our Party and Leader are passionate about.

“It’s shameful that the Liberals failed to properly consult provinces on their plan raise the Carbon Tax. The environment is an area of shared jurisdiction and Canada’s Conservatives will respect the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories by scrapping Trudeau’s Carbon Tax. If provinces want to use market mechanisms, other forms of carbon pricing, or regulatory measures, that is up to them.

“This week, Conservatives put forward a motion to stop the Liberals from raising taxes during the pandemic. Not only did the Liberals vote against our motion, but they are now raising the Carbon Tax even higher. This increase will mean that Canadians will pay more for groceries, home heating, and add up to 37.57 cents per litre to the cost of gas.

“The Trudeau Liberals promised that they wouldn’t raise the Carbon Tax, but that is exactly what they are doing today. This is just another example of the Trudeau Liberals promising one thing to get elected, and then breaking their promise when they no longer need your vote.

“Conservatives know that we must preserve our shared environment for future generations without sacrificing the jobs Canadians need today or damaging the economic engine that helps fund our vital social programs.”