During a press conference for her Cabinet reshuffling yesterday (June 18th), Alberta Premier Rachel Notley was asked about more opposition to the National Carbon Pricing plan. 

Premier-elect Doug Ford and the Ontario PC Party have said they will fight the Federal Government’s mandate that all provinces have a price on carbon by 2019.

(Photo Courtesy: Government of Alberta)

Saskatchewan is the only other province that said they will contest the controversial carbon levy.

Premier Notley said she’s not worried about any opposition because she believes they have a plan that works, that's in line with what the Federal Government wants.

“Our plan, as I’ve said many times, is the product of many, many months and at this point now years of conversations, research, meetings and negotiations with people from across the Province. It is very much focused on meeting the needs of Albertans including Alberta’s industry and in particular Alberta’s trade exposed industries.”

UCP leader Jason Kenney has mentioned several times that his party will eliminate the NDP made carbon tax if elected and challenge the Federal Government on their mandate.

Notley said that when it comes to the opposition from other Provinces and her own, she’s not concerned as she believes battling climate change is a must and the Federal Government has the upper hand.

“What Ontario is doing now is essentially opening the door to have Ottawa step in and do that for them. They’re sort of walking away from a level of agency and authority that they previously had to make a point. They’ve indicated that they’re going to go to court, I don’t suspect that they will be successful in court.”

The Federal Liberals have asked all Provinces to institute a carbon price of $20 a tonne starting January 1st, 2019.

 

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