Why Natural Resources and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson Opposes the Rebate Decision in Saskatchewan

💡The decision in Saskatchewan to not rebate carbon pricing for heating will impact people in the province, especially those with low incomes.

🔥Heating oil is more expensive than natural gas and disproportionately affects affordability, which is why the government introduced programs to help with the transition to heat pumps.

🏢There are more homes using heating oil in Quebec than in all of Atlantic Canada, making it a nationwide issue and not limited to one region.

🔒Wilkinson emphasizes that it is not appropriate for provincial premiers to pick and choose which laws to follow, as it undermines the rule of law and creates anarchy.

🌍The federal government is considering its response to the situation in Saskatchewan, with hopes that the provincial government will reconsider its decision.

Why does Minister Wilkinson oppose the decision in Saskatchewan?

—Minister Wilkinson believes that not rebating carbon pricing for heating in Saskatchewan will negatively impact people in the province, especially those with low incomes.

Why is heating oil more expensive than natural gas?

—Heating oil is three to four times more expensive than natural gas, which creates affordability issues. To address this, the government introduced programs to help transition to heat pumps.

Is this issue limited to Atlantic Canada?

—No, there are more homes using heating oil in Quebec than in all of Atlantic Canada, making it a nationwide issue.

Why is it important to follow the rule of law?

—Following the rule of law ensures a democratic process and holds both citizens and governments accountable.

What is the federal government's response to the situation in Saskatchewan?

—The federal government is considering its response and hopes that the provincial government will reconsider its decision.

00:00Natural Resources and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson explains why he disagrees with the decision in Saskatchewan to not send rebates on carbon pricing for heating.

02:59Heating oil is more expensive than natural gas and disproportionately affects affordability, which is why the government introduced programs to help with the transition to heat pumps.

04:23There are more homes using heating oil in Quebec than in all of Atlantic Canada, making it a nationwide issue and not limited to one region.

05:58Wilkinson emphasizes that it is not appropriate for provincial premiers to pick and choose which laws to follow, as it undermines the rule of law and creates anarchy.

07:10The federal government is considering its response to the situation in Saskatchewan, with hopes that the provincial government will reconsider its decision.