Carbon price increase causing ‘worry,’ premiers say, urging pause

Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Premier Andrew Furey is calling on the federal government to put a pause on its planned increase of its carbon pricing plan next month, and at least two other premiers are voicing their support.

In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X, Furey said that while his government is “deeply invested” in environmental sustainability, the increase set for April 1 “is causing understandable worry as people consider how they will manage the mounting financial strain.”

Furey’s call is the latest facing the federal Liberals as the hike on its federal carbon price, which applies in provinces and territories without their own plans that meet established federal criteria, is set to add 3.5 cents per litre to the cost of gas and four cents on diesel.

Currently, the federal carbon backstop is set at $65 per tonne, increasing to $80 per tonne on April 1. The minimum levy will more than double by the end of the current annual increase schedule, hitting $170 per tonne by 2030.

I continue to stand up for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians against the federal carbon tax.

I am now asking Ottawa to pause its planned increase to the carbon tax, set for April 1st, as the high cost of living is enough of a burden on families.

The full letter is here: pic.twitter.com/fMW9coybTE

— Andrew Furey (@FureyAndrew) <a href=«https://twitter.com/FureyAndrew/status/1767579225928728963?ref_src=» https:>March 12, 2024

Ontario Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford, Alberta United Conservative Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who leads the conservative Saskatchewan Party, each signalled their endorsements for Furey’s call in reposting the letter to their own X accounts.
“People across Canada