TORONTO – At every gas pump across Ontario, we are going to take steps to make sure drivers know exactly the impact on their wallets. This would take the form of a “gasoline transparency sticker” that will clearly identify this hidden federal tax.
The province plans to bring forward legislation that, if passed, would require stickers to be placed on gasoline pumps that will warn Ontario families of the hidden federal carbon tax that will add more than 11 cents per litre to the price of gasoline by 2022. In addition, the government has communicated to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) its expectation that the OEB ensure the federal carbon tax is clearly reflected on natural gas bills.
“We promised to use every tool at our disposal to protect Ontario workers, seniors and families from the federal government’s regressive carbon tax,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “The people of Ontario know that a carbon tax is not the only way to fight climate change and that this tax is as unnecessary as it is unfair. Instead of punishing low- and middle-income families, we encourage the federal government to follow the approach we took with our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan that will reduce emissions without imposing a job-killing carbon tax on the people of our province.”
Ontario currently leads all of Canada when it comes to greenhouse gas reduction. Ontario families and businesses have already reduced emissions by 22% from 2005 levels. The Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan clearly details how the province will achieve an additional 8% reductions in emissions to hit its 30% emissions reduction target.
Minister Rickford says “If you’re a family living in Northern Ontario using natural gas to heat your home, the federal government’s carbon tax will cost you an average of $94 more this year alone and by 2022, this rises to more than $235. The price of gas will also increase by more than 11 cents by 2022. This job-killing carbon tax is simply unaffordable.
“Our government will continue to hold the federal government accountable to the people of Ontario and continue to promote transparency for Ontario energy customers. We believe that every Ontarian who pays the bills has the right to know exactly how much they’re paying and what they’re paying for.”
