Conservative Opposition to Carbon Tax Grows: What's Next?

TLDROpposition to the federal government's carbon tax is growing, with conservative leaders and provinces calling for a pause or cancellation. Some are even defying federal law. Former Environment Minister Katherine McKenna explains that the government needs to better defend carbon pricing as an affordability measure and challenge opponents with their own climate plan.

Key insights

📉Conservative leader Pier PV has always been against climate action and carbon pricing. He and other conservatives are spreading misinformation about the impact of the carbon tax.

💵Carbon pricing is an affordability measure, with money being given back to lower-income and middle-class people. Cancelling it would take money away from these groups.

🔍Conservative politicians like Pier PV need to be challenged on their lack of a climate plan. The government should press them on what they would do to tackle climate change.

🔥The increasing frequency of wildfires in Canada is a real economic and human cost of climate change. Taking action is crucial to protect lives, property, and attract investment.

🌍Conserving the environment is not only a progressive value but also an economic opportunity. Canada must grow its clean economy and stop being held hostage by the oil and gas industry.

Q&A

Why are conservative leaders and provinces opposing the carbon tax?

Conservative politicians, like Pier PV, have always been against climate action and carbon pricing. They spread misinformation and see it as an opportunity to attack the government.

How is carbon pricing an affordability measure?

The government gives money back to lower-income and middle-class people, making it more affordable for them. Cancelling carbon pricing would take away this financial benefit.

How can the government defend against opposition to the carbon tax?

The government needs to be clear about the need for climate action and the economic opportunities it presents. They should challenge opponents, like Pier PV, on their lack of a climate plan.

Why is taking action on climate change important?

Climate change is causing real economic and human costs, like wildfires, extreme heatwaves, and natural disasters. Taking action is critical to protect lives, property, and attract investment.

Why is conserving the environment an economic opportunity?

Investing in renewables and growing the clean economy presents economic opportunities for Canada. It allows us to compete globally and reduces our dependence on the volatile oil and gas industry.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Opposition to the federal government's carbon tax is growing among conservative leaders and provinces. They are calling for a pause or cancellation of the tax, with some even defying federal law.

01:24Conservative leader Pier PV has always been against climate action and carbon pricing. He spreads misinformation about the impact of the carbon tax, claiming that people are paying more, which is not true.

03:28Carbon pricing is an affordability measure, with money being given back to lower-income and middle-class people. Cancelling it would take money away from these groups.

06:13The government needs to challenge conservative politicians on their lack of a climate plan and press them on what they would do to tackle climate change.

09:33Taking action on climate change is crucial to protect lives, property, and attract investment. The increasing frequency of wildfires in Canada is a real economic and human cost.

10:53Conserving the environment is not only a progressive value but also an economic opportunity. Canada must grow its clean economy and stop being held hostage by the oil and gas industry.