Despite premier’s pleas, carbon tax won’t be pushed back

Saskatchewan’s premier may be asking for a pause on the start of the carbon tax, but according to Ralph Goodale, that won’t be happening.

Premier Scott Moe said earlier this week that he asked the federal government — and will continue to ask — for the implementation of the carbon tax on consumer goods, set for April 1, to be put on hold until Saskatchewan’s court case against the tax has concluded.

The provincial government argued its case against the carbon tax in court in February. At the time, Saskatchewan’s counsel said it could take anywhere from six months to a year for a decision to be made.

On Thursday, Goodale said, “The implementation date is firm and clear.”

Goodale said the start date is baked into the legislation that was passed for the tax. He also said that, with a court case like this, there’s no telling how long a conclusion could take.

“Whether it’s a few weeks or a few months — it could be subject to appeal — this could be a very long period of legal uncertainty,” explained Goodale.

He took the opportunity to tout the climate action incentive — the money people will get back as a rebate from the carbon tax. Goodale said most Saskatchewan households will actually get more back than what they pay because of the tax, meaning they’ll be better off.

“We want it to be an incentive, not a penalty. We want it to be a carrot, not a stick,” said Goodale.