Trudeau says N.L. premier bowing to political pressure over carbon tax increase

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey's call to delay the federal carbon tax is a sign he is caving to political pressure.

«I think Mr. Furey is continuing to bow to political pressure,» Trudeau said in response to a question about the premier's stance during an event in Montreal on Friday morning. «I think Canadians in Newfoundland and Labrador and right across the country expect their governments to do the right thing.»

Trudeau said that means fighting climate change and spurring technological innovation. He said the carbon tax rebate is financially beneficial for roughly eight in 10 Canadians.

«It's basic math,» he said.

Trudeau's remarks on Friday mark another scuffle in the war of words between the two Liberal compatriots, which began when Furey shared an open letter on Tuesday calling for the planned carbon tax increase on April 1 to be delayed. Furey is the only remaining Liberal provincial premier.

The federal carbon tax is scheduled to rise from $65 per tonne to $80 on April 1, a roughly 25 per cent increase.

In a statement sent to CBC News on Friday, Furey's office said Newfoundland residents lack some of the options available to people in other parts of the country to reduce their carbon tax burden, adding to affordability woes.

«Premier Furey has always been clear that the federal carbon tax is not the appropriate instrument to mitigate climate change at this time, and that he will continue to fight for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,» the statement said.

«Premier Furey strongly believes in the importance of mitigating climate change, but urges the federal government to pause its increase to the carbon tax at this time.»

Trudeau has faced pressure from provinces and