Won't defend JT's lack of experience when he was elected, that's well known, but as far as PP goes ... No, it doesn't. In any case, lack of any discernible policy to move forwards on climate change (PP "axe the tax" is a backwards move) means hard no from me, and Harper's muzzling of scientists the last time a Conservative was prime minister (Harper) reinforces the hard no.
I don't like any of the available choices.
Carbon tax was introduced in 2019. Like many liberal policies, they appear sound on paper but never achieve their goals. The carbon tax aims to reduce emissions, Canada's total emissions are minimal on a global scale, accounting for < 1.4% of global emissions.
So far, the impact has been mostly negative. Environment and Climate Change Canada estimates that by 2030, the carbon tax could reduce real GDP by approximately 0.92%, equating to a $25 billion decrease. The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) reports that the carbon tax costs the average household up to $399 more than rebates received in 2024, with this net cost projected to rise to $903 by 2030. Cumulatively, households could face additional costs up to $4,388 by 2030, and will have caused the loss of approximately 185,000 jobs nationwide.
It’s also important to know that Canada's PBO notes that almost all the economic upside of reducing Canada's emissions benefits residents in other countries.
Public Perception is horrible, two-thirds of Canadians believe gov't should axe carbon tax, with a majority viewing it as ineffective in reducing fuel emissions. A growing number of Canadians are understanding the tax is simply a tax -- simply nother way to redistribute wealth.
Is it reducing carbon emissions? There is solid evidence that Carbon output is falling in Canada, but no evidence that ties reductions to Carbon pricing. For example, 12% of new cars are electric, and another 20+% some type of hybrid. None of these cars have a lower TCO than their ice counterparts - people's inherent will to contribute makes this change, nothing to do with the price of carbon.
Technology changes, regulations, and consumer choices have had a measurable impacts on reducing carbon in Canada -- sadly there is zero evidence carbon tax is making a difference.
