The Carbon Tax Debate: Costs, Rebates, and Political Messaging

Not long ago it seemed like the carbon tax was a fait accompli in Canada. Two elections were fought where this was a major issue, and the Liberals came out on top in both of them.

But now, things are suddenly looking very different. It’s not just Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives hammering the Liberals about “axing the tax,” a growing number of Canadians have negative views of it too. And last week, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh — who has previously voted with the Liberals on their carbon pricing scheme — seemed to cast doubt on it too.

So how did Canadians turn against the carbon tax, a scheme where most people actually get more money back than what they put in?

Today we’re speaking to climate journalist Arno Kopecky about the life, and possible death, of Canada’s carbon tax.

For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts