Premier Brian Pallister announced that the Manitoba government will move forward with its Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, without a carbon tax.
Last year, the Manitoba government received legal advice that the federal government has the constitutional power to impose a carbon tax, but only on provinces that do not implement plans of their own. After consulting with thousands of Manitobans, experts and stakeholders, the province released its Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan a year ago. Additional consultations continued after the release of the plan.
“Our Made-in-Manitoba plan proposed a flat, fixed tax rate that would provide stability to consumers, business, industry and agriculture,” said Pallister. “It would save Manitoba families and businesses more than $260 million over five years, compared to the Ottawa plan. Most importantly, all monies collected under our plan would be returned to Manitobans, in the form of tax reductions.”
Immediately after unveiling its climate and green plan, and on numerous occasions thereafter, the Manitoba government sought the federal government’s assurance that it would not impose its escalating carbon tax plan over and above the Manitoba tax. That assurance has not been not given.
“Ottawa acknowledged that our plan is the best in Canada,” said the premier. “But they have also stated that they will impose their higher – and rising – carbon tax on Manitobans after one year. This would mean twice the tax, for poorer results. That would threaten jobs and economic growth throughout our province and take money off the kitchen tables of Manitoba families.”
Pallister noted Manitoba’s plan focuses on four pillars of cleaner water, conservation of natural areas, effective steps to address climate change, and strengthening the economy. It is a plan that will continue investments in renewable energy, while encouraging Manitobans to reduce their energy consumption. Manitoba’s plan will make a significant and lasting positive impact on the environment, he said.
“We are standing up for Manitobans, by saying ‘yes’ to Manitoba’s green plan, and ‘no’ to a carbon tax.”
