A majority of Canadians would like to see the reduction or complete elimination of the federal carbon tax, according to a recent Leger survey. Facing rising living costs, 55 percent of Canadians believe that the carbon tax should be either reduced (18 percent) or completely eliminated (37 percent). The survey conducted by the Montreal-based polling company on Sept. 28 also found that most Canadians (68 percent) are not willing to pay higher taxes on gasoline to support the Liberal government’s net-zero carbon emissions goals. Even in Quebec, where there is relatively more support for maintaining or increasing the carbon tax, only 24 percent of residents favor this policy.
The survey highlights that Canadians are reaching their limit in terms of what they are willing to pay to help meet a net-zero carbon emission policy. It also notes that in April, the carbon tax saw another 30 percent increase, raising it from $50 to $65 per tonne. This resulted in extra expenses for consumers at the gas pump, with prices surging from 11.05 cents to 14.31 cents per litre. Under the carbon pricing policy, fuel charge rates automatically increase every April 1, rising by $15 per tonne annually to reach $170 per tonne in 2030, as reported by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
The Leger survey also reveals that just over half (52 percent) of Canadians are informed about the federal government’s net-zero 2050 policy. This policy aims to fulfill Canada’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 40 to 45 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. However, a majority of Canadians expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the net-zero policy, with 37 percent believing that the government’s 2050 deadline for achieving net-zero emissions is too ambitious.
Additionally, the survey shows that Canadians have mixed views about the feasibility of transitioning away from natural gas in various sectors. While 43 percent of respondents believe that Canada can eliminate natural gas appliances and mandate the use of electric alternatives within 15 years, there is more skepticism surrounding other actions such as banning natural gas for home heating by 2040 or prohibiting the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
The survey concludes that the carbon tax has prompted a significant portion of Canadians to modify their behavior. About three in ten Canadians have taken specific actions due to the carbon tax, including reducing travel (31 percent), driving less (30 percent), and conserving energy by keeping their homes cooler in the winter (27 percent).
The online survey was conducted from Sept. 15 to Sept. 17, involving 1,564 Canadians. It carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percent for comparison purposes.