Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending his disputed carbon pricing program on the world stage, arguing that misinformation is threatening environmental progress.
Trudeau arrived in Brazil today for the G20 leaders’ summit and spoke at a conference held by the anti-poverty group Global Citizen.
He touted Canada’s carbon consumption tax, arguing that it is among the strongest in the world but is “an easy political target” in Canada.
Trudeau acknowledged the policy is being pushed back, but said it is being fueled by what he called propaganda and misinformation that affordability contrasts with fighting climate change.
He said his Liberal Party has already won three elections over the carbon pricing issue, and said the policy is “very much in doubt” for the next election.
Receive the latest national news
For news affecting Canada and around the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts delivered directly to you as it happens.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to cancel the policy, pushing for a “carbon tax election” to reduce the cost of living.
Trudeau made the comments on a panel about holding the G7 summit in Canada next year, although Trudeau did not speak about that impending initiative.
Ahead of the event, his office said remarks would discuss “the economic case for climate action and Canada’s climate finance and international assistance policies” for the G7 presidency.
Trudeau’s comments were almost entirely related to defending the carbon tax, saying it has been the subject of “propaganda, misinformation, misinformation and outright lies.”
The federal NDP and some of its provincial counterparts have distanced themselves from the policy they previously supported.
Ottawa sends the rebates to offset what people pay in carbon pricing when they buy fuel so that they are no less harmed as a result. People who do things to reduce their fuel consumption are even better off, because they still receive the same rebate but pay less in carbon pricing.
The tax applies in provinces and territories that do not have carbon pricing systems that Ottawa considers consistent with its federal goals.
The parliamentary budget officer says the vast majority of households get more in rebates than they pay for the carbon price, but for most, those gains are erased after broader economic factors are taken into account.
Trudeau has disputed that analysis, including in his comments on Sunday.
“It’s actually become a way to help with affordability and put more money in the pockets of people who are struggling,” he said.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
