Atlantic Premiers Call On Feds For More Time To Submit Carbon Plan

HALIFAX — The four Atlantic Premiers are asking the federal government for more time to submit a carbon plan.

The request comes after the federal environment minister told Premier Tim Houston on Monday the feds would reject Nova Scotia’s bid to avoid a carbon tax.

RELATED: Federal Government Rejects N.S. Plan; Carbon Tax Likely On The Way

Stephen Guilbault stated the plan does not meet guidelines or mention putting a price on carbon pollution.

The Atlantic premiers are all in discussions with the federal government over carbon pricing plans. Now they’ve penned a letter asking for a short-term extension and they’re calling for a meeting with Guilbault to talk about solutions.

“We are deeply concerned about the affordability impacts of carbon pricing on households in our region, especially as almost 40 percent of Atlantic Canadians experience energy poverty- by far the highest rate in the country,” the letter states.

The premiers are worried the costs of energy will only make the current pressures stemming from sky-high inflation more challenging for Atlantic Canadians. They believe their discussion with the environment minister needs to focus on how to mitigate these risks.

According to our province’s modelling, the tax would cost the average household $2,000 annually.

However, it’s believed it would generate $ 1 billion each year and increased costs to gas and power bills would be offset by rebate cheques.

The premiers have asked Guilbault to respond to their request by noon on Friday, September 2nd.

Skye Bryden-Blom is a reporter with CKHZ 103.5 in Halifax, a Huddle content partner. With files from Steve MacArthur.