Carney Proposes $14B+ Industrial Carbon Tax, Majority of Canadians Say Costs Passed to Consumers

Mark Carney has proposed eliminating the consumer carbon tax while introducing a new or expanded industrial carbon tax. Liberal MP Brendan Hanley, Carney's candidate, stated, "We need to compensate for [the consumer carbon tax] on the industrial side." The proposed industrial carbon tax, targeting sectors such as energy, steel, and aluminum, has not been detailed in terms of implementation or cost, though some estimates suggest it could exceed $14 billion. Carney has pledged to 'tighten' the industrial tax and extend the program through 2035, with additional plans including no more pipelines (bill C-69), a cap on Canadian energy, carbon tax tariffs, and keeping 80% of oil and gas 'in the ground.' A recent Leger poll, cited by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, found that 44% of Canadians believe most industrial carbon tax costs are passed to consumers, 26% believe some costs are passed on, 21% are unsure, and only 9% think businesses pay most of the tax. Carney has also advocated for higher taxes on air travel, saying, "We should be taking into account the impact of our flying on the planet," and, "You push up the tax on flying." Critics argue these measures would increase the cost of living for Canadian families.