Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is advocating for a more fair deal for working people in regards to climate policy, stating that the current plan by the Liberals disproportionately benefits big polluters. While Singh believes in a price on pollution, he did not clearly state whether this would include a carbon price on gasoline when questioned by reporters. The NDP have previously voted against the government on carbon pricing issues, including legislation granting farmers exemptions for using natural gas. Singh has emphasized the need for a plan where big polluters pay their fair share, workers are protected, and emissions are reduced.
Last week, the NDP voted in favor of a non-binding Conservative motion for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to host a televised meeting with premiers to discuss the recent carbon price increase and possible alternatives. NDP environment critic Laurel Collins has criticized the Liberals for treating carbon pricing as the main solution to combating climate change. Singh has also expressed concerns about relying solely on free market mechanisms like carbon pricing, citing affordability challenges driven by climate impacts such as droughts and infrastructure damage from floods.
Prime Minister Trudeau has defended the carbon price increase, stating that the Parliamentary Budget Officer reports show that eight out of 10 families receive more back in rebates than they pay. However, broader economic factors like decreased employment and investment income may result in a net loss for most Canadians. Trudeau also highlighted the increase in rebates, with the CRA starting to deposit the 2024/25 rebates into people’s accounts. The government also plans to increase the rural top-up for rebates, although this legislation has yet to pass the House of Commons.
During a speech at the Broadbent Progress Summit, Singh outlined three main points for the NDP’s climate plan: ensuring big polluters pay their fair share, protecting workers, and reducing emissions. Singh has criticized the current policies of the Liberals as unfair to working class people, stating that the price on pollution needs to be fair and equitable. While the specifics of the NDP’s climate policy remain unclear, Singh’s emphasis on fairness and responsibility for big polluters suggests a commitment to addressing climate change while protecting workers and reducing emissions.
Trudeau has acknowledged the challenges faced by the NDP and Jagmeet Singh in the current debate around the carbon price, suggesting that the party is facing political headwinds on this issue. The increase in the carbon price has sparked backlash in recent months, with some Canadians seeing a net loss when broader economic factors are considered. Despite the government’s efforts to provide rebates and support for rural communities, there are ongoing debates about the effectiveness and fairness of the carbon pricing policy. Singh’s calls for a more fair and equitable plan may indicate a shift in the NDP’s approach to climate policy and addressing the impacts of climate change on working people.
