Manitoba is going to continue its challenge of the federal carbon tax even as Saskatchewan lost theirs.
Saskatchewan courts ruled in favour of the tax 3-2 citing it is constitutionally sound and is within the legislative authority of Parliament.
Saskatchewan lawyers argued that the tax is unfair also adding that the province introduced its own carbon plan, but did not put a tax on it.
Manitoba announced its legal challenge on April 3rd, two days after the carbon tax was imposed on the four provinces –Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick- that didn’t meet Ottawa’s standards for a sufficient carbon pricing system.
The tax applies to 21 different kinds of fuel, including gasoline, at a rate of $20 per tonne of greenhouse emissions. By 2022, the tax will rise to $50 per tonne.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he will appeal the decision.
Manitoba’s Premier Brian Pallister has said that the province has a strong case and stated the province will continue its respective challenge. Manitoba had originally proposed a flat carbon tax, but in a surprise move, Pallister withdrew the proposition after he said it didn’t go far enough.
The Manitoba Liberals unveiled their own carbon plan Friday.
