Trudeau accuses Andrew Furey of bowing down to ‘political pressure’ amid carbon taxrow

As the disagreement over the federal government’s consumer carbon levy continues, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey on Friday of continuing to bow down to “political pressure” in his position.

 

Talking to reporters in Montreal, Trudeau said, “I think Canadians in Newfoundland and Labrador, and right across the country, expect their governments to do the right thing” which includes supporting Ottawa’s carbon pricing scheme.

 

Trudeau also said that the carbon pricing scheme, effective April 1, 2024, would return more money to most Canadian households in rebates than they pay out. He said, “It’s basic math.”

 

However, shortly after the prime minister’s remarks, Furey’s office issued a statement firing nack at Trudeau.

 

The statement read, “Premier Furey has always been clear that the federal carbon tax is not the appropriate instrument to mitigate climate change at this time, and that he will continue to fight for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

 

As the only Liberal provincial premier in Canada, Furey has often highlighted his close ties with Trudeau. However, he has been challenging the federal carbon pricing system since last year. This system imposes a fee on greenhouse gas emissions, affecting over 20 types of fuel, including gasoline. 

 

Distributors typically pass this cost to consumers. Provinces have the option to create their own carbon pricing plans, subject to federal approval, or adopt the federal scheme. Quebec, for instance, is exempt due to its cap-and-trade system.