B.C. to cut carbon tax if it receives permission from Ottawa
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad is claiming victory, while the B.C. Greens accuse Premier David Eby of abandoning"good policy for bad politics" after he promised to eliminate the carbon tax if Ottawa drops the legal requirement to have one.
He added that his government would ensure that the big polluters pay a price on carbon to help fight climate change, but did not spell out a mechanism. When asked whether pressure from the Conservative Party of B.C. forced his change, Eby blamed the federal government for eroding the political consensus around the carbon tax in B.C.
Eby's announcement marks a shift. Speaking at his party's conference in November 2023, after the B.C. Conservatives had promised to cut the carbon tax, Eby said B.C. needs to be a leader in fighting climate change "because we are also a leader in feeling the effects of climate change in British Columbia."
Conservative Leader John Rustad described Thursday's announcement as a"sudden reversal" and a"desperate attempt" by Eby "to salvage his sinking political ship.""Now, faced with growing opposition, he’s pretending to care," Rustad said."It’s nothing more than a cynical ploy.” B.C. Green Leader Sonia Furstenau, meanwhile, accused Eby of flip-flopping and making up policy on the fly.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Opinion: A first responder’s letter to Premier Eby demanding action in VictoriaA Victoria first responder has penned a letter to Eby following the recent events on Pandora Avenue and the city's plan to open a new facility in North Park designed to help the homeless.
Read more »
Involuntary mental health care must be ‘dignified and humane,’ B.C. premier saysPremier David Eby says his government is working on a strategy for involuntary care
Read more »
Fate of B.C.'s forestry industry emerges as election issueB.C. Premier Eby promises help for forestry sector, Conservative Leader Rustad blames NDP
Read more »
Man accused of grabbing 14-year-old girl now facing charges in 5 separate incidentsAn Ottawa Police Service cruiser parked in downtown Ottawa in August 2024.
Read more »
Jen Johnson could return to UCP caucus, but only after trans policy reforms pass: Danielle SmithAlberta Premier Danielle Smith addresses a news conference in Ottawa on Monday, Feb.5, 2024.
Read more »
Eby pledges $300M towards 1,508-bed, $560M student housing project at UBCVANCOUVER — The British Columbia government and the University of B.C. will partner to create housing for more than 1,500 students at the institution's...
Read more »