Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 20, 2018
Premier Doug Ford says he’ll join Saskatchewan’s lawsuit challenging carbon tax
July 18, 2014
Ontario will join Saskatchewan’s court case challenging the federal government’s right to impose a carbon tax on provinces.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Thursday alongside Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe at the Council of the Federation meeting of all 13 provincial and territorial leaders.
After a one-on-one meeting with Moe Wednesday night, Ford said the two premiers are on “exactly the same page.” He said Ontario will use “every tool at our disposal” to support Saskatchewan in its appeal of Ottawa’s carbon plan.
“Our provinces are strongest when we stand together and this will show unity and will send a clear message to the federal government,” said Ford, whose Progressive Conservative government has budgeted $30 million for the legal fight.
Amid growing discontent with the federal government’s plan to impose a carbon tax on provinces that do not come up with a carbon-pricing system it approves of, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet the premiers later this year to discuss the issue, sources told the Star.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna said Ontario is “willing to spend $30 million of taxpayer money on fighting climate leadership.
“The minister is disappointed to see the new government in Ontario has no plan to help families, schools and businesses reduce emissions, save money and create good jobs. Climate change doesn’t stop with a change in government,” said Caroline Thériault. (Source: Toronto Star)