Federal Carbon Tax Lands in Alberta

The federal carbon tax came online in Alberta on Wednesday. That means it'll cost more to fill vehicles and also heat homes.

 

For those still using coal to heat their homes, the price of a load of coal was pretty much-doubled thanks to the carbon tax. Still, the federal government says the average Alberta family will see a yearly rebate of more than 800 dollars.

 

On Tuesday, Provincial Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer told reporters, the UCP government isn't done with its fight against the tax.

 

"The federal carbon tax strips provinces of constitutional power over their own economies, natural resources, industries and the day-to-day activities of their residents.  The federal government will say their benchmark only sets a minimum standard, but once they are given the power to set standards in areas of provincial jurisdiction, those standards could continue to change without warning. By defending Albertans in court, we are fulfilling our commitment to creating jobs and economic opportunity."

 

The new tax also applies to the fuel used for grain dryers, but Federal Ag Minister Bibeau says she's still open to the idea of an exemption for fuel, like propane, used in drying grain.