VANCOUVER / MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH & TSLEIL-WAUTUTH TERRITORIES — Josha MacNab, national policy director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement today in response to the B.C. government’s deferral to 2021 of the next carbon tax increase:
“Pricing carbon pollution is the cheapest way to reduce climate-destabilizing emissions. B.C. has led the way on carbon pollution pricing in Canada, and we commend B.C. for its leadership.
“While B.C.’s price on pollution remains ahead of the federal schedule, a steadily increasing price signal is a key factor in the success of pollution pricing. A continuously strengthening carbon price offers much-needed certainty for investors and a long-term incentive for businesses and consumers to move toward low-carbon options.
“We know these are challenging times, and supporting B.C. businesses, communities, and workers is a top priority. Securing a resilient economic recovery for B.C. calls for the government to stay the course on key climate policies, such as pollution pricing, that help grow a sustainable, clean economy. We are concerned that the government’s deferral of the next rate increase sends the wrong signal to investors and businesses that are leading the way to B.C.’s low-carbon economy. Now is not the time to slow B.C.’s momentum.
“We remain encouraged that the government is committed to further increases. We need to ensure the choices we make in one global crisis don’t exacerbate another.”
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Contact
Stephen Hui
Senior Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
778-987-7654
stephenh@pembina.org
Tw: @StephenHui
Background
Action plan: Rebuilding a Resilient B.C.
About the Pembina Institute
The Pembina Institute is a non-profit think-tank that advocates for strong, effective policies to support Canada’s clean energy transition. We have offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Ottawa. Learn more: www.pembina.org
