Sask. premier expects 'no consequences' over decision to stop collecting carbon tax on electric heat
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says he’s not expecting “any consequences whatsoever” for the province’s decision to stop collecting the carbon levy on electric heat.
“We made the very same decision that the federal government made. They decided to not collect the carbon tax on heating oil – largely in Atlantic Canada. We decided not to collect the carbon tax on natural gas and now electricity for Saskatchewan families,” Moe explained at a news conference on Thursday.
“So what’s fair is fair. I’m not expecting any consequences whatsoever.”
In a video posted to X Thursday morning – Moe and Saskatchewan Party MLA for Athabasca Jim Lemaigre announced the change would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
The change will mostly affect those living in Saskatchewan’s north – where electric heat is more widely used.
According to the province, around 85 per cent of Saskatchewan homes are heated by natural gas – with the remaining 15 per cent using electric heat among other sources.
In the announcement, Moe admitted the plan on how to track how much electricity is used for home heating is not fully formed.
“We’re going to need to determine who is heating their home with electricity and then estimate the percentage of their power bill that is being used for that heat,” Moe explained. “But those are details and we will get that all worked out.”
In late October, Moe announced the province won't remit the carbon charge on natural gas after Ottawa exempted home heating oil.
The province has since introduced the “Carbon Tax Fairness for Families Amendment Act” into the legislature – and has taken steps to shield executives at SaskEnergy from being fined or facing jail time if the crown corporation does not remit the tax.
“If the federal government isn’t going to provide carbon tax fairness to families – your Saskatchewan Party will,” Lemaigre said in the announcement.
Opposition to federal carbon pricing remains one of the few issues both sides of the Saskatchewan legislature are in agreement on.
NDP Leader Carla Beck claimed that Moe’s announcement is in keeping with what her party has been calling on the government to do for months.
“Top line for us, absolutely. Affordability measures are needed for people in this province,” she said. “I would suggest he also look at the proposed suspension of the gas tax that we've proposed that they could do today without needing a whole lot more for details.”
Speaking to reporters Thursday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated his previous statements regarding Saskatchewan’s intentions to flout the federal regulation.
“Canada is a country of the rule of law and we expect all Canadians to follow the law,” he said.
“That applies to provinces as much as it applies to individual citizens.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.