Fight carbon tax: Fox

Opposition leader calls on Premier Wade MacLauchlan to say no to proposed carbon tax

P.E.I. Opposition Leader Jamie Fox is calling on Premier Wade MacLauchlan to fight a proposed carbon tax being discussed by the county’s premiers in Whitehorse this week.

“This government said it would not establish a carbon tax, and we are asking them to live up to their word,” said Fox. “Surely government can reduce emissions and combat climate change through means other than driving up the cost of essentials to Islanders, such as gasoline, diesel, fuel oil and electricity.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the CBC Wednesday his government will impose a “strong” price on carbon across the country, but appears to be open to the provinces coming up with their own mechanisms to make this happen

Fox says provincial figures show electricity accounts for 21 per cent of P.E.I.’s total energy usage, while the vast majority is the fuel oil, gasoline and diesel used to heat Island homes and businesses and power vehicles.

The Opposition is also concerned that the provincial energy strategy, currently in its second draft, makes no mention of a carbon tax.

“Islanders cannot afford yet another tax grab by government,” said Fox.

“We are already shouldering some of the highest taxes on petroleum products in the country; electricity rates and bills keep climbing, and government’s HST hike is just around the corner. Enough is enough.”