QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
Carbon Tax
October 23, 2024
Senator Gold, on October 13, journalist David Akin with Global News reported the following:
There are members of Trudeau’s own caucus —
— at least they were at the time. I’m not sure where they are today —
— largely MPs from English-speaking Canada — who think it’s time to do what Poilievre’s Conservatives have been constantly calling for and “Axe the Tax.”
These are David Akin’s words, not ours.
He also quoted an MP as saying, “It’s out the door anyway when Poilievre wins.”
That’s the most common sense I’ve heard from a Liberal in a long time. This NDP-Liberal government doesn’t listen to Canadians, so will it listen to its own members of Parliament? Will it axe the carbon tax to make fuel, food, heat and homes more affordable?
Hear, hear.
Thank you for your question. I have no desire to repeat myself dozens of times about the government’s position and the virtues of a price on carbon or pollution. I’m simply going to say that the government stands by its policy that the price on pollution is an essential ingredient in a multi-suite plan and approach to combat climate change.
Your desire is of no consequence to us. You have a job, and that’s to answer the question whether that’s your desire or not.
Canadians don’t need another cabinet shuffle, Senator Gold. They don’t need the Prime Minister to shut down Parliament. Canadians need an end to the carbon tax. They need a carbon tax election now. Liberals are starting to see that. Why won’t you, leader?
Well, I thought my opinion was not important. My position and —
Maybe not, but your answer is.
And I’ve given you the answer on behalf of the government innumerable times, and I will repeat it: The price on pollution is a central part of the government’s climate plan — it’s a credible plan and, indeed, the only plan of a party that is governing, or aspires to govern, that’s on the table.
