Four of Canada’s premiers will be testifying their carbon tax concerns at the federal Standing Committee meeting on Operations and Estimates, including Scott Moe, who made his virtual appearance this morning.

Moe says the tax, which is set to increase by 23 per cent on April 1st, is not only impacting external investment in the province, but it is also affecting the quality of life for Saskatchewan families.

“It’s very real, in particular, to northern families (who) have traditionally been heating their homes with electricity. (They also) have to drive a significant distance for any level of supplies. Families very much are feeling it directly.”

He says it is high time to do an economic analysis on the tax, and in the meantime, the regions producing food, fuel, and fertilizer in a sustainable way, like Saskatchewan, should be recognized for doing so.

“If the rest of the world produced oil and gas like we do here in Saskatchewan…global emissions from oil production would drop 25% overnight. That hasn’t come about easily. That’s come about by investment in the Saskatchewan energy industry,” Moe explains. “I’m not, in any way, saying that we should be making decisions that are increasing the emissions in our industries, but we should be looking at ‘what are the emissions in our industries relative to their counterparts and competitors in other areas of the world? Are we cleaner? and can we do more?’”

He called for a pause on the tax increase, alongside the premiers of Alberta, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

However, before Moe could speak, a dispute ensued between the Conservative Chair and several Liberal committee members.

The Liberal MPs accused Chair Kelly McCauley of violating protocol by announcing the meeting less than 48 hours before it commenced, holding the gathering during a constituency week, and neglecting to notify members of Moe’s attendance.

McCauley responded by stating as Chair, it is his prerogative and responsibility to call meetings when necessary.

Previously…

Premier Scott Moe is providing testimony this morning, virtually, at the federal Standing Committee on Operations and Estimates about the 23 per cent increase to the carbon tax, set to take effect on April 1st. The Conservative Chair of the House of Commons Committee invited Premiers to testify about their concerns.

Premier Moe’s letter to the Finance Committee says the increase makes life less affordable for residents, businesses and communities and states that his government’s decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on electricity used for home heating led to an immediate decrease in inflation, which he says is confirmed by Statistics Canada. He urges the government to cancel the increase or get rid of it entirely.