Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, is greeted by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston in Truro, N.S., on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Nova Scotia’s premier has responded to a challenge from the prime minister to submit an alternative to the federal carbon pricing program. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
Nova Scotia Premier, Tim Houston, has responded to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's call to propose an alternative to the federal carbon pricing program. Houston's submission, titled "Still Better Than a Carbon Tax Plan," outlines the province's initiatives to combat climate change. These include existing plans for coastal protection, climate action, clean energy, and green hydrogen.
In a letter dated March 28, Houston presented the plan to Trudeau, asserting that Nova Scotia doesn't view a carbon tax as the most effective approach to address climate issues in the region.
Trudeau, speaking to reporters in the Halifax area, stated he hadn't reviewed the details of Houston's proposal. However, he expressed willingness to engage in discussions with Houston. Trudeau also noted that previous climate initiatives from Nova Scotia had failed to meet federal standards, which mandate a carbon pricing mechanism.
The federal government's carbon pricing increased by $15 per tonne, effective from Monday. Trudeau highlighted that this increase would lead to larger quarterly rebate cheques, scheduled for April 15, aimed at assisting families in coping with rising fuel costs.
