Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has stated that if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not extend a carbon tax exemption to the residents of his province, he will direct Sask Energy, the province’s Crown corporation, to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas. In a video posted on Twitter on Oct. 30, Premier Moe announced that starting from Jan. 1, 2024, the province’s gas utility provider will no longer collect tax on natural gas if the province does not receive the same tax break given to Atlantic Canada residents who use heating oil.
Premier Moe expressed his dissatisfaction with the federal government’s decision to provide an affordability break to residents in one part of Canada, while neglecting to offer the same exemption to the residents of Saskatchewan. He argued that it was unfair for his province, as well as all of Canada, to be denied the carbon tax exemption.
Furthermore, Premier Moe highlighted that by granting this tax break to eastern residents, Trudeau has undermined two of the myths he propagated about the carbon tax. Moe emphasized that Canadians do not receive more in rebates than they pay for tax, as claimed by the Liberal government.
“If that were true, why would he need to remove it as an affordability measure on home heating oil for families in Atlantic Canada,” questioned Premier Moe.
The Saskatchewan Premier’s statement suggests a potential standoff between the province and the federal government on the issue of carbon tax exemptions. Further updates on this matter are expected.