Carbon tax just tip of the iceberg
Canadians can be forgiven for suffering from sticker shock given the rising cost of federal and provincial government programs to reduce Canada’s industrial greenhouse gas emissions.
While the federal fuel charge — which is increasing the price to consumers of gasoline, natural gas and 20 other forms of fossil fuel energy every year from 2019 to 2030 — is the most visible cost to consumers, it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the total costs.
The federal carbon pricing system consists of the federal fuel charge — which includes a rebate system — and a separate program for large industrial emitters.
Combined, the Trudeau government says, they will be responsible for up to one-third of Canada’s planned emission reductions in 2030.
But according to a statement by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault last year, there are more than 100 government programs to reduce emissions costing “north of $200 billion.”
And the price of those programs keeps going up.
