Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are facing extremely difficult circumstances in the current global environment. It is with this in mind that, Premier Andrew Furey have advocated again and again for flexibility regarding the carbon tax.
Yesterday we were disappointed that the Government of Canada is imposing its federal carbon tax backstop and taxing home heat fuel, as well as other fuels. Premier Furey said they will continue to advocate to ensure that province is treated fairly.
“As a result of the carbon tax backstop, residents of the province will now see a carbon tax on home heating fuels. The change will also limit the Provincial Governments financial capacity to provide related programs to residents instead rebates will directly go to residents from the Federal Government,” said Sioban Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance.
“This disappointing news that will impact many. As a government, we are committed to addressing climate change and we have done so and will continue to, through the many initiatives and actions we have implemented to date. We will continue to work hard in all areas to achieve emissions reductions, including through annually increasing reduction targets for large industrial facilities, massive investments to power or electrical grid with clean energy and residential, municipal, institutional and transportation fuel switching programs,” said Bernard Davies, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.