QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
Carbon Tax
May 23, 2024
Senator Gold, Food Banks Canada’s 2024 report card shows that almost 50% of Canadians feel financially worse off compared to last year while 25% of Canadians are experiencing food insecurity. In addition, Food Banks Canada reported that the cost of living has become so high that food banks have seen a 50% increase in visits since 2021. As a result of all of this, Food Banks Canada downgraded the Trudeau government’s rating of D to D minus in 2024.
Senator Gold, listening to your answer to Senator Plett’s similar question yesterday, it’s clear that the Trudeau government is getting their poverty statistics from Westmount and Club Med because after nine years of Justin Trudeau, millions of Canadians are struggling to keep their heads above water. So what does Justin Trudeau do, colleagues? He hikes the carbon tax again — this time by 23% — driving up the cost of food and gas.
Senator Gold, why doesn’t the Trudeau government do some common-sense, Conservative-suggested policies and put a pause this summer on the carbon tax? Give Canadians a break.
Thank you for your question. When the Conservative Party starts putting forward responsible, credible policies to address the climate or the changing economic circumstances and, frankly, affordability — a serious problem that all Canadians are facing, including food insecurity — then I think any sensible government in power would be willing to listen. Until then, however, these are empty, rhetorical, partisan points and are, again, a waste of our time in this chamber.
Senator Gold, we give suggestions. We give you the path forward and you refuse to take it. Cut the carbon tax. Give Canadians a break on gasoline and food prices. It will bring down the cost of living and reduce poverty. Try it. It’s very simple. We’ve been talking about it to everybody willing to listen.
Food Banks Canada wrote in their report that as poverty and food insecurity worsens in every corner of the country, most governments are not responding with the urgency that is needed.
Again, I will be plain and simple: Will your government cut the carbon tax and give Canadians a break at the pumps and at the grocery store so they can have affordable —
The government does not have any intention of cutting the carbon tax or the price on pollution. It will continue to provide and offer serious responses to the dilemmas and challenges that Canadians are facing, and it will continue to do so for as long as it’s in the position of government.
