Call for increase to carbon tax met with mixed reactions

VANCOUVER, B.C. — More than 130 businesses are calling on the province to increase the carbon tax by $10 per tonne per year, starting in July 2018.

They have agreed that taking the next steps on the carbon tax will benefit B.C.’s economy, help clean energy and clean tech businesses thrive, and encourage businesses to be better partners in reducing carbon pollution.

“In 2008, the Climate Action Plan — with the carbon tax as its central pillar — helped move the province’s economy ahead, it helped boost the province’s reputation and it helped the environment,” stated an open letter, released yesterday and signed by the businesses.

The Pembina institute says strengthening the carbon tax is central to the 32 recommendations issued by the province’s Climate Leadership Team, composed of experts from the business, academic, and environmental communities, and representatives from the B.C. government, First Nations, and local governments.

However, not everyone is on board with this proposal.

Yesterday, Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm started a petition to stop the government from implementing any sort of increase to the carbon tax. He argues that, by the time 2050 comes around, residents in ‘cold rural B.C.’ would be paying $3,600 per year in carbon tax.

Pimm continues to state that quote ‘we all want a clean environment, and B.C. is already the leader in the climate change agenda.’

Last week, the government extended the public comment period for the Climate Leadership Plan to April 8.