What They’re Saying: Putting a Price on Pollution

October 26, 2018

Canadians know pollution isn’t free. That’s why Justin Trudeau and the Liberal team have a real plan to protect a clean environment while growing our economy, and it’s working.

Our emissions are going down, and good middle class jobs are being created for Canadians. While Andrew Scheer’s Conservatives have no plan, experts agree that a price on pollution is one of the best tools we have to fight climate change and grow the economy.

But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what they’re saying:

“Pollution isn’t free. Pricing pollution will make our air cleaner, creating healthier communities while ensuring equity for all Canadians.”
Isabelle TurcotteFederal Policy Director, Pembina Institute[Source]

“Economists for a long time have been pointing to carbon taxes, or carbon pricing, as the most efficient or most cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Trevor TombeAssociate professor of economics, University of Calgary[Source]

“This is good news for human health and the planet. […] This is how we protect people from the harmful impacts of heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, hurricanes and floods that are becoming more frequent and more intense because of climate change.”
Dr. Courtney HowardPresident, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment[Source]

“This move makes it clear that no one gets to sit out the fight against climate change. Putting a price on pollution is a positive step towards creating green jobs in the new clean energy economy.”
Keith StewartSenior Energy Strategist, Greenpeace Canada[Source]

First time we have a federal government willing to do that, congrats! ⁦@JustinTrudeau⁩ promises rebates as Ottawa moves to levy carbon tax on provinces outside the climate planhttps://t.co/7zS5kZB2hj pic.twitter.com/7FkjyuPtxH

— steven guilbeault (@s_guilbeault) October 23, 2018

“Carbon pricing is a smart climate solution that encourages everyone to find ways to be more efficient and to invest in cleaner and safer energy choices. The federal rebate on carbon pricing is a much-needed and timely decision.”
Ian BruceDirector of Science and Policy, David Suzuki Foundation[Source]

Putting a price on pollution works. It cuts pollution and spurs innovation in our economy. We have seen this in B.C., Quebec and many other jurisdictions in North America and around the world, so it’s an important addition to the federal government’s policy toolkit. 1/ #cdnpoli https://t.co/1kR4eoRHX9

— Merran Smith (@merransmith) October 23, 2018

“Carbon pricing continues to be the most cost-effective option for achieving emissions reductions across the country.”
Tracy SnoddenPolicy Analyst, C.D. Howe[Source]

“We know that people and firms respond to incentives. So this is going to work at reducing emissions.”
Jennifer WinterDirector of Energy and Environmental Policy, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary[Source]

We applaud #Canada, @JustinTrudeau, @cathmckenna for their #leadership in “putting a price on pollution”. https://t.co/6yUY4EgJ13

— Pure Earth (@PureEarthNow) October 23, 2018