‘It’s no longer free to pollute’: Canada imposes carbon tax on four provinces

Canada has imposed a landmark carbon tax on four provinces which had defied Ottawa’s push to combat climate change, prompting unhappy premiers to say they would challenge the measure.

Official data regularly show Canada has little chance
of meeting its climate change goals of reducing
emissions by 30% from 2005 levels by 2030. 

The prime minister, Justin Trudeau, citing international commitments to fight global warming, had made clear for two years he would slap the tax on any of the 10 provinces that did not come up with their own plans by 1 April.

The measure is opposed by Ontario, the most populous province, where Trudeau’s Liberals need to do well to stand a chance of retaining power in a federal election this October.

Carbon pollution will initially cost C$20 ($15) a tonne, rising by C$10 a year until it reaches C$50 in 2022. It also applies in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.

Read the story from The Guardian - “‘It’s no longer free to pollute’: Canada imposes carbon tax on four provinces.”

Tougher price rules on the agenda in energy fix

Price caps could be imposed on “default” electricity deals under Turnbull government plans to force big energy retailers to help retail customers, as Coalition MPs demand tougher action on household costs.

Illustration: Matt Golding

The new measures are being put on the agenda after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull assured government MPs that he was looking “favourably” on formal options to use new laws or regulations to drive down prices.

The new rules are being considered alongside the National Energy Guarantee and a federal bill to reduce carbon emissions by 26 per cent by 2030 in the electricity sector, adding to the government’s pitch to voters at the next election.

Read David Crowe’s story from The Age - “Tougher price rules on the agenda in energy fix.”