44th Parliament207Open for signatureMarch 22, 2024e-4876e-4876 (Taxation)DarrylLuscombeRachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNDPBCMarch 22, 2024, at 4:56 p.m. (EDT)April 21, 2024, at 4:56 p.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:The impacts of greenhouse gas emissions are having increasingly serious negative effects on all aspects of Canadian society;The increases in extreme weather events are already clearly demonstrating that Climate Change due to human production and use of fossil fuels is causing significant harms to our society and way of life;The increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is already having significant impacts on the marine ecosystem and shellfish fisheries due to acidification of the ocean waters;The increase in marine heatwaves is already having a significant impact on marine ecosystems and commercial fisheries that many Canadians depend upon;The increase in extreme wildfire activity is threatening all Canadians in all provinces and territories in the country; andThat we must resist our desire for short-term self-interest and continuation of the status-quo and agree that we need to act now to protect our families and descendants for generations to come.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to fully support the planned increase to the Federal Carbon Tax in April of 2024 and to renew their their commitment to current Federal Carbon Tax legislation for the good of all Canadians.Carbon taxClimate change and global warming44th Parliament207Open for signatureMarch 5, 2024e-4840e-4840 (Taxation)CorySagerLarryBrockBrantford—BrantConservativeONMarch 5, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. (EDT)April 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. (EDT)Petition to the <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas:Millions of Canadian citizens can no longer afford to pay for basic necessities;Food banks in Canada are receiving a record number of visitors, which includes an increasing number of citizens from the working class;The cost of heating homes has increased 20 percent in some cases, due to the Federal Carbon Tax charge included in heating bills;The cost of food production has increased due to the Federal Carbon Tax which directly affects the cost of food for consumers;The high cost of fuel is causing farm owners to sell their property, causing farming production to decrease, putting Canadians at risk of a food crisis; andThe increase in food, fuel and heating costs has hindered Canadian’s ability to have expendable money, creating a decrease in spending in our local economies, weakening the overall Canadian economy.We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to cancel the planned increase to the Federal Carbon Tax in April of 2024 and to repeal the current Federal Carbon Tax legislation, effective immediately.Carbon taxClean Fuel RegulationsCost of living44th Parliament222Presented to the House of CommonsFebruary 16, 2024441-02197441-02197 (Taxation)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCFebruary 16, 2024September 20, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The first carbon tax, including sales tax, will add 41 cents to a litre of gas, the second carbon tax, including sales tax, will add 20 cents to a litre of gas;
  • The combination of carbon tax one and carbon tax two will mean that Canadians pay an extra 61 cents for each litre of gas;
  • Making life more expensive for Canadians in a cost-of-living crisis by implementing a second carbon tax demonstrates how out of touch this Liberal prime minister is; and
  • The Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed that both carbon taxes will have a net cost of up to $4,000, depending on the province in which they live.
THEREFORE:We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to have the House recognize the failure of carbon tax one and call on the government to immediately cancel carbon tax two (the "Clean Fuel Regulations").
Carbon taxClean Fuel Regulations
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 12, 2023441-01905441-01905 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABNovember 7, 2023December 12, 2023October 11, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONSWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:
  • The Liberals imposed carbon tax will continue to drive up the cost of home heating for Canadians;
  • In Canada heating your home in the winter isn't a luxury - it's a necessity;
  • After eight years of this Liberal government Canadians now must decide whether to heat their home or put food on their table;
  • Never before in Canadian history have Canadians paid more in taxes than under this Liberal government; and
  • Inflation has caused massive increases to costs faced by non-profits and registered charities and further compounded by the carbon tax.
Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1) Cancel the tripling of the carbon tax on home heating;2) Ensure no new taxes on Canadians;3) Ensure that Canadians are being put first: their family, their paycheques, their home, and their future.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandSince taking office in 2015, the government's focus has been investing in the middle class, growing the economy, strengthening Canada's social safety net, and making life more affordable for Canadians. Key measures include:
  • Reversed the Conservative policy and restored the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to 65, from 67, preventing 100,000 seniors aged 65 and 66 from plunging into severe poverty each year.
  • Increasing support for families and low-income workers through programs such as the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Workers Benefit, which have helped lift over 1 million Canadians out of poverty since 2015.
  • Across Canada reduction of fees for regulated childcare of 50 percent on average, with six provinces and territories reducing childcare fees to $10 a day or less by April 2, 2023. In Saskatchewan, this amounts to an estimated savings of up to $6,900 per child.
  • Increasing the GIS top up benefit for low-income single seniors, enhancing the GIS earnings exemption, and increasing Old Age Security for approximately 3.3 million Canadians in July 2022.
  • Reducing taxes for the middle class from 22 percent to 20.5 percent, while raising taxes on the wealthiest Canadians. 
  • Increasing the basic personal amount – i.e., the basic amount of income that Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax – to $15,000, while phasing out the benefits of the increased basic personal amount for wealthy individuals.
In addition, the Government of Canada has provided targeted inflation relief to Canadians struggling with the impacts of global inflation, which has made the cost of living a real challenge. This includes direct, tax-free payments of up to $1,300 per child over two years to eligible families to cover dental expenses for their children under 12 and a doubling of the GST credit in the fall of 2022.Furthermore, the new onetime Grocery Rebate provided targeted inflation relief for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children; and up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children. The Grocery Rebate was delivered to eligible Canadians on July 5, 2023, by direct deposit or cheque through the Canada Revenue Agency.Climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Proceeds relating specifically to the use of natural gas and propane by farmers are returned directly to farmers via a refundable tax credit.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal carbon pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Price Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 per cent supplement beyond the base amount. Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments.On October 26, 2023, the government announced its intent to double the CAI rural top-up, from 10 to 20 percent, with increased payments to rural residents starting in April 2024. It also announced a proposed temporary, three-year pause of the fuel charge on deliveries of light fuel oil exclusively for use in providing heat to a home or building until the end of 2026-27.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians.
Carbon tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 9, 2023441-01669441-01669 (Taxation)ArpanKhannaOxfordConservativeONSeptember 26, 2023November 9, 2023May 18, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONSWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:
  • The Liberals imposed carbon tax will continue to drive up the cost of home heating for Canadians;
  • In Canada heating your home in the winter isn't a luxury - it's a necessity;
  • After eight years of this Liberal government Canadians now must decide whether to heat their home or put food on their table;
  • Never before in Canadian history have Canadians paid more in taxes than under this Liberal government; and
  • Inflation has caused massive increases to costs faced by non-profits and registered charities and further compounded by the carbon tax.
Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1) Cancel the tripling of the carbon tax on home heating;2) Ensure no new taxes on Canadians;3) Ensure that Canadians are being put first: their family, their paycheques, their home, and their future.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandSince taking office in 2015, the government's focus has been investing in the middle class, growing the economy, strengthening Canada's social safety net, and making life more affordable for Canadians. Key measures include:
  • Reversed the Conservative policy and restored the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to 65, from 67, preventing 100,000 seniors aged 65 and 66 from plunging into severe poverty each year.
  • Increasing support for families and low-income workers through programs such as the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Workers Benefit, which have helped lift over 1 million Canadians out of poverty since 2015.
  • Across Canada reduction of fees for regulated childcare of 50 percent on average, with six provinces and territories reducing childcare fees to $10 a day or less by April 2, 2023. In Saskatchewan, this amounts to an estimated savings of up to $6,900 per child.
  • Increasing the GIS top up benefit for low-income single seniors, enhancing the GIS earnings exemption, and increasing Old Age Security for approximately 3.3 million Canadians in July 2022.
  • Reducing taxes for the middle class from 22 percent to 20.5 percent, while raising taxes on the wealthiest Canadians. 
  • Increasing the basic personal amount – i.e., the basic amount of income that Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax – to $15,000, while phasing out the benefits of the increased basic personal amount for wealthy individuals.
In addition, the Government of Canada has provided targeted inflation relief to Canadians struggling with the impacts of global inflation, which has made the cost of living a real challenge. This includes direct, tax-free payments of up to $1,300 per child over two years to eligible families to cover dental expenses for their children under 12 and a doubling of the GST credit in the fall of 2022.Furthermore, the new onetime Grocery Rebate provided targeted inflation relief for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children; and up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children. The Grocery Rebate was delivered to eligible Canadians on July 5, 2023, by direct deposit or cheque through the Canada Revenue Agency.Climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term- health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups.  Proceeds relating specifically to the use of natural gas and propane by farmers are returned directly to farmers via a refundable tax credit.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal carbon pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Price Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 per cent supplement beyond the base amount. Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments.On October 26, 2023, the government announced its intent to double the CAI rural top-up, from 10 to 20 percent, with increased payments to rural residents starting in April 2024. It also announced a proposed temporary, three-year pause of the fuel charge on deliveries of light fuel oil exclusively for use in providing heat to a home or building until the end of 2026-27.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians.
Carbon tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 9, 2023441-01678441-01678 (Taxation)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservativeSKSeptember 27, 2023November 9, 2023September 26, 2023PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas: The residents of the Gardens Condominium Corporation on Park Street in Regina, Saskatchewan have noticed a substantial increase in their electricity and natural gas bills due to the federal government's carbon tax;The federal government's Climate Action Incentive Payments have been insufficient to cover the cost of the carbon tax; and The carbon tax is set to increase by an additional $105 per tonne (from $65 per tonne to $170 per tonne) by the end of the decade.Therefore: we, the undersigned residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to cancel the carbon tax.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium-sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. As of July 2023, when federal pollution pricing began to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Prince Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments.On October 26, 2023, the government announced its intent to double the CAI rural top-up, from 10 to 20 percent, with increased payments to rural residents starting in April 2024. It also announced a proposed temporary, three-year pause of the fuel charge on deliveries of light fuel oil exclusively for use in providing heat to a home or building until the end of 2026-27.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians.
Carbon tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 9, 2023441-01679441-01679 (Taxation)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservativeSKSeptember 27, 2023November 9, 2023September 26, 2023PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWhereas: The residents of the Gardens Condominium Corporation on Park Street in Regina, Saskatchewan have noticed a substantial increase in their electricity and natural gas bills due to the federal government's carbon tax; andIt is the federal government's policy to charge GST on top of the carbon tax, which increases their electricity and natural gas bills even further.Therefore: we, the undersigned residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to stop charging the GST on top of the carbon tax for electricity and natural gas for residential use.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada. The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned. In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90?percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10?percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23. This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. As of July 2023, when federal pollution pricing began to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Prince Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments. On October 26, 2023, the government announced its intent to double the CAI rural top-up, from 10 to 20 percent, with increased payments to rural residents starting in April 2024. It also announced a proposed temporary, three-year pause of the fuel charge on deliveries of light fuel oil exclusively for use in providing heat to a home or building until the end of 2026-27.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians.
Carbon pricingCarbon taxGoods and services tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 9, 2023441-01694441-01694 (Taxation)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCSeptember 29, 2023November 9, 2023June 22, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The first carbon tax, including sales tax, will add 41 cents to a litre of gas, the second carbon tax, including sales tax, will add 20 cents to a litre of gas;
  • The combination of carbon tax one and carbon tax two will mean that Canadians pay an extra 61 cents for each litre of gas;
  • Making life more expensive for Canadians in a cost-of-living crisis by implementing a second carbon tax demonstrates how out of touch this Liberal prime minister is; and
  • The Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed that both carbon taxes will have a net cost of up to $4,000, depending on the province in which they live.
THEREFORE:We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to have the House recognize the failure of carbon tax one and call on the government to immediately cancel carbon tax two (the "Clean Fuel Regulations").
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTImpacts from climate change are wide-ranging and costly, affecting Canadians’ homes, cost of living, infrastructure, health and safety, and economic activity in communities across Canada.Market-based approaches, such as carbon pollution pricing and Clean Fuel Regulations, are widely recognized as the most efficient ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and incentivize innovation and investments in clean technologies.The Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR) require gasoline and diesel primary suppliers to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity (CI) of the gasoline and diesel they produce and import for use in Canada. The CFR establishes a credit market whereby the annual CI reduction requirement can be met via three main categories of credit-creating actions:(1) projects that reduce the CI of fossil fuel throughout its lifecycle (e.g., carbon capture and storage);(2) supplying low-carbon intensity fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel); and, (3) supplying fuel and energy in advanced vehicle technologies (e.g., electricity for Electric Vehicles). Parties that are not fossil fuel primary suppliers may participate in the credit market as voluntary credit creators by completing certain actions (e.g., low-carbon intensity fuel producers and importers).The CFR also creates opportunities for voluntary parties and supporting industries. The CFR encourages innovation and growth by increasing incentives for the development and adoption of clean fuels and energy-efficient technologies and processes. For example, biofuel producers, which are not regulated under the CFR, will see an increased demand for their product. In turn, biofuel feedstock providers, such as farmers and foresters, will also have an economic opportunity.The Government of Canada expects that the cost to comply with the CFR will be small to begin with and will increase gradually over time. By 2030, according to the Regulatory Impact Assessment Statement (found at https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2022/2022-07-06/html/sor-dors140-eng.html ), Canadians who drive gasoline-powered vehicles may see an increase in fuel price of $0.06 to $0.13 per litre. However, the final price impacts will depend on refineries. The CFR provides many paths for refineries and importers to clean up the pollution associated with their fuel.The Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report “A Distributional Analysis of the Clean Fuel Regulations” assumed the improbable highest-cost scenario where regulated parties meet compliance solely through credit purchases. The report did not take into consideration the economic and environmental benefits that the CFR will have in addition to not considering an updated social cost of carbon. The Government of Canada published an updated social cost of carbon estimate that, if used to model the CFR, would estimate a positive economic benefit from avoiding 26 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2030.The CFR complements carbon pollution pricing. While carbon pricing creates a broad incentive across the whole economy to use less energy and improve efficiency, the CFR targets transformational changes in how liquid fuels are produced and used in Canada. Actions taken to meet the obligations set by the CFR can also reduce the overall emissions of a refinery, reducing its exposure to federal or provincial carbon pricing systems for industry.Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends against simply adding the projected cost impacts of the fuel charge and CFR. The two measures work very differently. In addition, the impact of the CFR on gasoline prices will depend on decisions made by refineries about how to comply.     
Carbon taxClean Fuel Regulations
44th Parliament223Government response tabledSeptember 18, 2023441-01585441-01585 (Taxation)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservativeBCJune 21, 2023September 18, 2023June 16, 2023Petition to the Government of CanadaWHEREAS:
  • The first carbon tax, including sales tax, will add 41 cents to a litre of gas, the second carbon tax, including sales tax, will add 20 cents to a litre of gas;
  • The combination of carbon tax one and carbon tax two will mean that Canadians pay an extra 61 cents for each litre of gas;
  • Making life more expensive for Canadians in a cost-of-living crisis by implementing a second carbon tax demonstrates how out of touch this Liberal prime minister is; and
  • The Parliamentary Budget Officer confirmed that both carbon taxes will have a net cost of up to $4,000, depending on the province in which they live.
THEREFORE:We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to have the House recognize the failure of carbon tax one and call on the government to immediately cancel carbon tax two (the "Clean Fuel Regulations").
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Steven GuilbeaultThe Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR) require gasoline and diesel primary suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of the gasoline and diesel they produce and import for use in Canada. The CFR establish a credit market whereby the annual CI reduction requirement could be met via three main categories of credit-creating actions: (1) projects that reduce the CI of fossil fuel throughout its lifecycle (e.g., carbon capture and storage)(2) supplying low-carbon intensity fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel), and (3) supplying fuel and energy in advanced vehicle technologies (e.g., electricity for EVs). Parties that are not fossil fuel primary suppliers may participate in the credit market as voluntary credit creators by completing certain actions (e.g. low-carbon intensity fuel producers and importers).The CFR will also create opportunities for voluntary parties and supporting industries. The CFR encourages innovation and growth by increasing incentives for the development and adoption of clean fuels and energy efficient technologies and processes. For example, biofuel producers, which are not regulated under the CFR, will see an increased demand for their product. In turn, biofuel feedstock providers, like farmers and foresters, will also have an economic opportunity.The Government of Canada expects that impacts on fuel prices from the CFR will be minimal for the next few years, and will increase gradually over time. By 2030, according to the Regulatory Impact Assessment Statement (found at  https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2022/2022-07-06/html/sor-dors140-eng.html ), Canadians who drive gasoline-powered vehicles may see between an increase in fuel price of $0.06 to $0.13 per litre. However, the final price impacts will depend on refineries. The CFR provides many paths to refineries and importers to clean up the pollution associated with their fuel.The Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report “A Distributional Analysis of the Clean Fuel Regulations” focused assumed the improbable highest cost scenario where regulated parties meet compliance solely through credit purchases. The report did not take into consideration the economic and environmental benefits that the CFR will have in addition to not considering an updated social cost of carbon. The Government of Canada published an updated social cost of carbon estimate that, if used to model the CFR, would estimate a positive economic benefit from avoiding 26 Mt of greenhouse gas emissions in 2030.The CFR complements carbon pricing. While carbon pricing creates a broad incentive across the whole economy to use less energy and improve efficiency, the CFR targets transformational changes in how liquid fuels are produced and used in Canada. Actions taken to meet the obligations set by the CFR can also reduce the overall emissions of a refinery, reducing its exposure to federal or provincial carbon pricing systems for industry.ECCC recommends against simply adding the projected cost impacts of the fuel charge and CFR. The two measures work very differently. In addition, the impact of the CFR on gasoline prices will depend on decisions made by refineries about how to comply.
Carbon taxClean Fuel Regulations
44th Parliament223Government response tabledAugust 16, 2023441-01592441-01592 (Taxation)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservativeABJune 21, 2023August 16, 2023May 26, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned Citizens of Canada draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS:Heating and transportation costs are already too expensive for many Canadians;Putting a federal tax on carbon will cost the average Canadian family over $847 after the so-called rebates each year; andThe Trudeau Liberal government has already announced that they will triple these taxes on hard-working Canadians.THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon Parliament to scrap the federal carbon tax.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as an effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving a portion of proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal pollution pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Price Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain four quarterly payments.Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 percent supplement beyond the base amount. 
Carbon tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledAugust 16, 2023441-01547441-01547 (Taxation)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservativeABJune 14, 2023August 16, 2023May 26, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDWe, the undersigned Citizens of Canada draw the attention of the House to the following:WHEREAS:Heating and transportation costs are already too expensive for many Canadians;Putting a federal tax on carbon will cost the average Canadian family over $847 after the so-called rebates each year; andThe Trudeau Liberal government has already announced that they will triple these taxes on hard-working Canadians.THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon Parliament to scrap the federal carbon tax.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as an effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving a portion of proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal pollution pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Prince Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain four quarterly payments.Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 percent supplement beyond the base amount. 
Carbon tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledAugust 16, 2023441-01544441-01544 (Environment)YvanBakerEtobicoke CentreLiberalONJune 13, 2023August 16, 2023June 7, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLEDPetition to increase the level of carbon pricing under the Greenhouse Gas and Pollution Pricing Act of methane-fired electricity generation to a level that will send a sufficient market signal to incentivise a transition away from methane-fired electricity generation to low carbon energy sources.Whereas:
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's most recent AR6 Synthesis report for its sixth cycle (AR6) was unequivocal - no new fossil fuel infrastructure is to be built and all developed countries must reach net-zero electricity generation by 2035;
  • What some people call natural gas is, in reality, a fossil fuel. It is methane - a very potent greenhouse gas (GHG);
  • The Canadian Energy Regulator's Canada Energy Futures 2021 reports that approximately 8,900 megawatts of new methane-fired generating capacity is projected to be added by 2035 under current federal, provincial and territorial policies;
  • In Ontario, methane-fired generation is set to account for 25% of the province's electricity generation by the late 2040s, more than triple its current role;
  • The Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) establishes the framework for the federal carbon pollution pricing backstop system, which consists of two main components: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels (Fuel Charge); and, a regulatory trading system for industry, known as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS);
  • Methane-fired generation of electricity is subject to the OBPS component of the GGPPA;
  • The increase in projected methane-fired electricity generation in Canada (particularly in Ontario) indicates that the current level of carbon pricing of methane-fired generation does not send a sufficient market signal to incentivize a transition away from fossil fuels to low carbon energy sources;
  • There is a real risk of methane-fired electricity generation facilities becoming stranded assets, with the associated costs being passed onto the taxpayer and ratepayer; and
  • The proposed Clean Electricity Regulations process is too slow to address this grave problem.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to Increase the level of carbon pricing under the GGPPA of methane-fired electricity generation to a level that will send a sufficient market signal to incentivise a transition away from methane-fired electricity generation to low carbon energy sources by:
  • making methane-fired electricity generation subject to the Fuel Charge component of the GGPPA; or
  • if methane-fired generation remains in the OBPS component of the GGPPA, making it subject to increased carbon pricing.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTCanada is committed to achieving a net-zero electricity system by 2035 as a key part of its plan to achieve a net-zero economy by 2050 to help combat climate change. In order to achieve this goal, the Government of Canada is working closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, industry, and other key interested parties to identify and support regional priorities for clean electricity through the Regional Energy and Resources Tables, the Canada Electricity Advisory Council, and the Indigenous Council for Wah-ila-toos. Budget 2023 included approximately $45 Billion in investments over the next 10 years through investment tax credits, low-cost financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and other funding to support the clean energy transition. Notably, it announced a 15% tax credit for non-emitting electricity generation and transmission, in addition to other complementary measures announced in Budget 2023 and the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, such as investment tax credits for clean technologies, clean technology manufacturing, clean hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage.To achieve net zero by 2050, the electricity sector will need to phase out coal by 2030, achieve net zero electricity by 2035 and ultimately close to double generation capacity. This energy transition is being driven by federal climate policies. For example, in 2018 the Government of Canada published the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Generation of Electricity Regulations, which regulates a phase-out of conventional coal-fired electricity generation by 2030. Additionally, the Government of Canada published the Regulations Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Natural Gas-Fired Generation of Electricity, which set performance standards for new natural gas units and contains provisions for the conversion of coal units to run on natural gas for a limited period of time (up to 10 years beyond the regulated end of life date of the coal unit). These regulations help support Canada’s transition to cleaner energy, create well-paying jobs in the electricity sector, and support the development of a net-zero electricity grid.To further help accelerate Canada on the path towards a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 the Government of Canada is designing the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER), which will maximize emissions reductions while maintaining reliability and affordability. Developing the CER now sends strong signals to avoid investment in new unabated natural gas generation and will help drive forward the development of emerging clean energy technologies. The CER will set a technology-neutral emissions performance standard for emitting generation of electricity that is provided to the grid and will include compliance flexibilities that recognize regional differences, including a future role for some natural gas generation. The CER has been designed to maximize emissions reductions, while maintaining affordable and reliable electricity systems.Environment and Climate Change Canada is developing the CER in close consultation with key interested parties. This process started with the release of a discussion paper in March 2022 followed by a draft regulatory frame in July 2022. The Department has also held multiple technical webinars as well as meetings with representatives from across the country to hear specific and regional concerns. The Department will be publishing the draft CER in the coming months, after which a formal engagement period will take place.Economy-wide carbon-pricing systems are designed to incentivize emissions reductions while allowing for maximum flexibility at the lowest overall cost. The flexibility afforded by these systems will result in different segments of the economy reducing emissions along different pathways, depending on the availability and cost of emissions reduction opportunities.Fossil fuel-fired electricity generated is covered by carbon pricing in all provinces across Canada either by the federal output-based pricing system or the applicable provincial pricing system that aligns with the carbon pricing benchmark. All output-based pricing systems (OBPS) must have a rising compliance price that aligns with the minimum national carbon pricing which increases by $15/year reaching $170/t CO2e in 2030.At present, most industrial emissions are subject to provincial OBPS, rather than the federal system, including in Ontario, where fossil fuel-fired electricity generation is covered by its Emissions Performance System Regulations. Provincial systems vary in size, context, and composition, and Canada’s approach allows provinces and territories to adjust their systems to meet local circumstances, as long as they meet national minimum stringency requirements.Canada strengthened the minimum national stringency criteria for carbon pricing systems (the “benchmark”) in 2021 for the 2023-2030 period to ensure all carbon pollution pricing systems are comparable and effective across the country. New requirements mean that all OBPS must maintain a marginal price signal in line with Canada’s minimum carbon price thereby ensuring that facilities regulated under output-based pricing systems are subject to the same incentives to reduce emissions as the fuel charge.The federal approach to electricity generation under the federal OBPS balances three goals:
  • Incentivize greenhouse gas emissions reductions by applying a carbon pollution price signal to all forms of emitting electricity generation;
  • Maintain the competitiveness of emission-intensive and trade exposed industry and potentially lead to carbon leakage;
  • Introduce a system that is affordable for households and businesses, especially where energy choices are currently limited.
The approach balances these goals by setting emissions standards based on fuel type. The standards for gaseous fuels like natural gas are 370 tonnes per gigawatt hours (t/GWh) for existing generation, and for new generation, standards started at 370 t/GWh in 2021, and decline linearly to 0 t/GWh in 2030 – meaning under the federal system, new facilities will be paying the full price on every tonne of carbon pollution they emit by 2030.The different OBSs are set to maintain an even playing field across the electricity sector and avoid high costs for consumers in locations where there are barriers to non-emitting generation, such as Northern Canada or in diesel-dependent industrial activities.Increasing the stringency of the federal Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) for industryhas been part of the design of the federal OBPS from its inception in the 2018 Regulatory Framework for the OBPS. Strengthening standards over time is consistent with Canadian and global climate goals, which require increasing ambition over time. To this end, Canada has committed to review the standards for electricity generation to reflect changes associated with the forthcoming Clean Electricity Regulations.Concerning the increase in natural gas capacity predicted in Canada Energy Regulator’s Canada’s Energy Future 2021, note that this analysis did not include the Clean Electricity Regulations. The newly released Canada’s Energy Future 2023 does include the CER and finds that the electricity sector reaches net zero emissions by 2035, demonstrating the impact of the CER and other climate policies to substantially impact planning and operations of Canada’s electricity sector.   
Carbon pricingCarbon taxEnergy transitionMethane production
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJune 15, 2023441-01410441-01410 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 2, 2023June 15, 2023April 27, 2023PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONSWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:
  • The Liberals imposed carbon tax will continue to drive up the cost of home heating for Canadians;
  • In Canada heating your home in the winter isn't a luxury - it's a necessity;
  • After eight years of this Liberal government Canadians now must decide whether to heat their home or put food on their table;
  • Never before in Canadian history have Canadians paid more in taxes than under this Liberal government; and
  • Inflation has caused massive increases to costs faced by non-profits and registered charities and further compounded by the carbon tax.
Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1) Cancel the tripling of the carbon tax on home heating;2) Ensure no new taxes on Canadians;3) Ensure that Canadians are being put first: their family, their paycheques, their home, and their future.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandSince taking office in 2015, the government's focus has been investing in the middle class, growing the economy, strengthening Canada's social safety net, and making life more affordable for Canadians. Key measures include:
  • Reversed the Conservative policy and restored the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to 65, from 67, preventing 100,000 seniors aged 65 and 66 from plunging into severe poverty each year.
  • Increasing support for families and low-income workers through programs such as the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Workers Benefit, which have helped lift over 1 million Canadians out of poverty since 2015.
  • A cross-Canada reduction of fees for regulated childcare of 50 percent on average, with six provinces and territories reducing childcare fees to $10-a-day or less by April 2, 2023. In Saskatchewan, this amounts to an estimated savings of up to $6,900 per child.
  • Increasing the GIS top up benefit for low-income single seniors, enhancing the GIS earnings exemption, and increasing Old Age Security for approximately 3.3 million Canadians in July 2022.
  • Reducing taxes for the middle class from 22 percent to 20.5 percent, while raising taxes on the wealthiest Canadians. 
  • Increasing the basic personal amount – i.e., the basic amount of income that Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax – to $15,000, while phasing out the benefits of the increased basic personal amount for wealthy individuals.
In addition, the Government of Canada has provided targeted inflation relief to Canadians struggling with the impacts of global inflation, which has made the cost of living a real challenge. This includes direct, tax-free payments of up to $1,300 per child over two years to eligible families to cover dental expenses for their children under 12 and a doubling of the GST credit in the fall of 2022.Furthermore, the adoption of Bill C-46 will provide the new one-time Grocery Rebate, which will provide targeted inflation relief for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children; up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children; and an extra $225 for seniors, on average. The Grocery Rebate will be delivered to eligible Canadians on July 5, 2023, by direct deposit or cheque through the Canada Revenue Agency.Climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing  greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium-sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal carbon pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Price Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments.Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 percent supplement beyond the base amount.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians. 
Carbon tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledMarch 20, 2023441-01069441-01069 (Taxation)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABJanuary 30, 2023March 20, 2023November 17, 2022Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWhereas:
  • Inflation has 7.7% in Canada as of May 2022, putting more financial burdens on Canadian households;
  • Gas prices have jumped by more than 50 per cent, pushing the cost of a litre to more than $2 in parts of Canada;
  • Per Natural Resources Canada, the federal government charges an excise tax of 10 cents per litre on leaded gasoline, 4 cents per litre on diesel, an additional 5% through GST, and another 11 cents per litre because of the carbon tax, marking up gas prices by nearly 20%;
  • The governments of Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador have announced a reduction in provincial taxes collected from fuel sales to make life more affordable for residents of their province. Ontario households expected to benefit from an average combined savings of about $465 in 2022;
  • US President Joe Biden has called for a 3-month pause on the federal 18-cent-per-gallon fuel tax, while the U.K., Italy, and Germany have announced lowering fuel taxes, France has announced a consumer rebate, and Japan has announced a subsidy to wholesalers all to tackle record-high gas prices; and
  • The current federal taxes on gas purchases are punitive measures that are hurting Canadian households during a rapidly increasing cost-of-living crisis.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Finance to suspend the federal excise tax and carbon tax for Canadians until the cost-of-living crisis has been resolved.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta – 90 percent of direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution. The other 10 percent is used to support small businesses, farmers and Indigenous groups.In 2023-24, the federal fuel charge will continue to apply in these provinces, and will come into effect as of July 1, 2023: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, where 90 percent of direct proceeds will be also returned to residents through Climate Action Incentive payments. Starting in July 2023, a family of four will receive $328 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $240 in Prince Edward Island and $248 in Nova Scotia each quarter; starting in April 2023, such a family will receive $244 in Ontario, $264 in Manitoba, $340 in Saskatchewan, and $386 in Alberta on a quarterly basis. Families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent. Some 8 out of 10 families receiving Climate Action Incentive payments get more money back than they pay in direct costs under this system, with families that earn less benefitting the most, on average.With respect to the federal excise tax on gasoline of 10 cents per litre, this rate has remained unchanged since 1995. This rate does not vary with the retail price of gasoline.To support those most affected by inflation, as of November 4, 2022, an estimated 11 million low- and modest-income people and families received an additional GST Credit payment, equivalent to doubling the credit for six months. Single Canadians without children received up to an extra $234, and couples with two children received up to an extra $467. Seniors received an extra $225 on average.
Carbon pricingCarbon taxExcise taxes
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 30, 2023441-00951441-00951 (Taxation)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABDecember 9, 2022January 30, 2023November 17, 2022Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWhereas:
  • Inflation has 7.7% in Canada as of May 2022, putting more financial burdens on Canadian households;
  • Gas prices have jumped by more than 50 per cent, pushing the cost of a litre to more than $2 in parts of Canada;
  • Per Natural Resources Canada, the federal government charges an excise tax of 10 cents per litre on leaded gasoline, 4 cents per litre on diesel, an additional 5% through GST, and another 11 cents per litre because of the carbon tax, marking up gas prices by nearly 20%;
  • The governments of Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador have announced a reduction in provincial taxes collected from fuel sales to make life more affordable for residents of their province. Ontario households expected to benefit from an average combined savings of about $465 in 2022;
  • US President Joe Biden has called for a 3-month pause on the federal 18-cent-per-gallon fuel tax, while the U.K., Italy, and Germany have announced lowering fuel taxes, France has announced a consumer rebate, and Japan has announced a subsidy to wholesalers all to tackle record-high gas prices; and
  • The current federal taxes on gas purchases are punitive measures that are hurting Canadian households during a rapidly increasing cost-of-living crisis.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Finance to suspend the federal excise tax and carbon tax for Canadians until the cost-of-living crisis has been resolved.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta – 90 percent of direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution. The other 10 percent is used to support small businesses, farmers and Indigenous groups.In 2023-24, the federal fuel charge will continue to apply in these provinces, and will come into effect as of July 1, 2023 in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, where 90 percent of direct proceeds will be also returned to residents through Climate Action Incentive payments. Starting in July 2023, a family of four will receive $328 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $240 in Prince Edward Island and $248 in Nova Scotia each quarter; starting in April 2023, such a family will receive $244 in Ontario, $264 in Manitoba, $340 in Saskatchewan, and $386 in Alberta on a quarterly basis. Families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent. Some 8 out of 10 families receiving Climate Action Incentive payments get more money back than they pay in direct costs under this system, with families that earn less benefitting the most, on average.With respect to the federal excise tax on gasoline of 10 cents per litre, this rate has remained unchanged since 1995. This rate does not vary with the retail price of gasoline.To support those most affected by inflation, as of November 4, 2022, an estimated 11 million low- and modest-income people and families received an additional GST Credit payment, equivalent to doubling the credit for six months. Single Canadians without children received up to an extra $234, and couples with two children received up to an extra $467. Seniors received an extra $225 on average.  
Carbon pricingCarbon taxExcise taxes
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 30, 2023441-00948441-00948 (Taxation)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABDecember 8, 2022January 30, 2023November 17, 2022Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWhereas:
  • Inflation has 7.7% in Canada as of May 2022, putting more financial burdens on Canadian households;
  • Gas prices have jumped by more than 50 per cent, pushing the cost of a litre to more than $2 in parts of Canada;
  • Per Natural Resources Canada, the federal government charges an excise tax of 10 cents per litre on leaded gasoline, 4 cents per litre on diesel, an additional 5% through GST, and another 11 cents per litre because of the carbon tax, marking up gas prices by nearly 20%;
  • The governments of Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador have announced a reduction in provincial taxes collected from fuel sales to make life more affordable for residents of their province. Ontario households expected to benefit from an average combined savings of about $465 in 2022;
  • US President Joe Biden has called for a 3-month pause on the federal 18-cent-per-gallon fuel tax, while the U.K., Italy, and Germany have announced lowering fuel taxes, France has announced a consumer rebate, and Japan has announced a subsidy to wholesalers all to tackle record-high gas prices; and
  • The current federal taxes on gas purchases are punitive measures that are hurting Canadian households during a rapidly increasing cost-of-living crisis.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Finance to suspend the federal excise tax and carbon tax for Canadians until the cost-of-living crisis has been resolved.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta – 90 percent of direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution. The other 10 percent is used to support small businesses, farmers and Indigenous groups.In 2023-24, the federal fuel charge will continue to apply in these provinces, and will come into effect as of July 1, 2023 in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, where 90 percent of direct proceeds will be also returned to residents through Climate Action Incentive payments. Starting in July 2023, a family of four will receive $328 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $240 in Prince Edward Island and $248 in Nova Scotia each quarter; starting in April 2023, such a family will receive $244 in Ontario, $264 in Manitoba, $340 in Saskatchewan, and $386 in Alberta on a quarterly basis. Families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent. Some 8 out of 10 families receiving Climate Action Incentive payments get more money back than they pay in direct costs under this system, with families that earn less benefitting the most, on average.With respect to the federal excise tax on gasoline of 10 cents per litre, this rate has remained unchanged since 1995. This rate does not vary with the retail price of gasoline.To support those most affected by inflation, as of November 4, 2022, an estimated 11 million low- and modest-income people and families received an additional GST Credit payment, equivalent to doubling the credit for six months. Single Canadians without children received up to an extra $234, and couples with two children received up to an extra $467. Seniors received an extra $225 on average.
Carbon pricingCarbon taxExcise taxes
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 30, 2023441-00902441-00902 (Taxation)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservativeABDecember 1, 2022January 30, 2023November 17, 2022Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament AssembledWhereas:
  • Inflation has 7.7% in Canada as of May 2022, putting more financial burdens on Canadian households;
  • Gas prices have jumped by more than 50 per cent, pushing the cost of a litre to more than $2 in parts of Canada;
  • Per Natural Resources Canada, the federal government charges an excise tax of 10 cents per litre on leaded gasoline, 4 cents per litre on diesel, an additional 5% through GST, and another 11 cents per litre because of the carbon tax, marking up gas prices by nearly 20%;
  • The governments of Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador have announced a reduction in provincial taxes collected from fuel sales to make life more affordable for residents of their province. Ontario households expected to benefit from an average combined savings of about $465 in 2022;
  • US President Joe Biden has called for a 3-month pause on the federal 18-cent-per-gallon fuel tax, while the U.K., Italy, and Germany have announced lowering fuel taxes, France has announced a consumer rebate, and Japan has announced a subsidy to wholesalers all to tackle record-high gas prices; and
  • The current federal taxes on gas purchases are punitive measures that are hurting Canadian households during a rapidly increasing cost-of-living crisis.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Finance to suspend the federal excise tax and carbon tax for Canadians until the cost-of-living crisis has been resolved.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta – 90 percent of direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution. The other 10 percent is used to support small businesses, farmers and Indigenous groups.In 2023-24, the federal fuel charge will continue to apply in these provinces, and will come into effect as of July 1, 2023 in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, where 90 percent of direct proceeds will be also returned to residents through Climate Action Incentive payments. Starting in July 2023, a family of four will receive $328 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $240 in Prince Edward Island and $248 in Nova Scotia each quarter; starting in April 2023, such a family will receive $244 in Ontario, $264 in Manitoba, $340 in Saskatchewan, and $386 in Alberta on a quarterly basis. Families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent. Some 8 out of 10 families receiving Climate Action Incentive payments get more money back than they pay in direct costs under this system, with families that earn less benefitting the most, on average.With respect to the federal excise tax on gasoline of 10 cents per litre, this rate has remained unchanged since 1995. This rate does not vary with the retail price of gasoline.To support those most affected by inflation, as of November 4, 2022, an estimated 11 million low- and modest-income people and families received an additional GST Credit payment, equivalent to doubling the credit for six months. Single Canadians without children received up to an extra $234, and couples with two children received up to an extra $467. Seniors received an extra $225 on average
Carbon pricingCarbon taxExcise taxes
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 30, 2023441-00845441-00845 (Social affairs and equality)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABNovember 14, 2022January 30, 2023June 7, 2022PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:
  • Bill S-233 and Bill C-223 propose to develop a framework for a universal basic income;
  • A guaranteed basic income means that people would receive a paycheck even if they don't work or don't contribute to our communities;
  • The cost of sending every Canadian money and managing an income distribution system would be in the billions of dollars;
  • Universal income disincentivizes people from working and maintaining a job; and
  • Taxes would have to be astronomically raised to pay for this new expenditure.
Therefore we the undersigned, call upon parliamentarians to:1) Vote against Bill S-233 and Bill C-223 and any other legislation that encourages a universal income;2) End the carbon tax and reduce inflation that reduces people's purchasing power ; and3) Approve new and existing pipeline proposals getting Canadian energy to tidewater while stimulating job growth in Alberta and across Canada.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOn climate change, the science is clear—we must take action now to protect our planet and secure our children’s future. But the economics are clear too: to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.It is much harder to cut pollution if it is free to pollute. The principle is straightforward: a price on carbon pollution establishes how much businesses and households need to pay for their carbon pollution. The higher the price, the greater the incentive to pollute less, conserve energy, and invest in low-carbon solutions. Canadians and businesses understand that putting a price on carbon pollution spurs the development of new technologies and services that can help reduce their emissions cost-effectively, from how they heat their homes to what kind of energy they use to do so. It also provides Canadians and businesses with an incentive to adopt these changes or solutions into their lives. That's why experts consistently recommend carbon pollution pricing as an efficient, effective approach to reducing emissions.Since 2019, every jurisdiction in Canada has had a comparable price on carbon pollution. Canada's approach is flexible: any province or territory can design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or it can choose the federal pricing system. The Government of Canada sets minimum national stringency standards (the "benchmark") that all systems must meet to ensure they are comparable and effective in reducing GHG emissions. If a province decides not to price carbon pollution, or proposes a system that does not meet these standards, the federal system is applied. In August 2021, the Government of Canada published strengthened benchmark criteria that all systems will need to meet from 2023-2030.A key element of the federal benchmark is the price on carbon pollution. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030. The price schedule is laid out to 2030 to create certainty, which is important for attracting private sector investment.The federal carbon pollution pricing system has two parts: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels like gasoline and natural gas (the "fuel charge"), and a performance-based emissions trading system for industries, known as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS).The federal carbon pollution pricing system returns all direct proceeds back to the jurisdiction where they were collected. Some provinces and territories receive the funds directly and can use them as they see fit. In other provinces, the federal government uses the proceeds to support to individuals, Indigenous Peoples, families, and businesses through direct payments and federal programming.The majority of households in jurisdictions that receive Climate Action Incentive payments under the federal backstop system receive more money than they pay. Direct payments to households work because they help make the price on carbon pollution affordable, and enable households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. Jurisdictions that currently receive Climate Action Incentive payments are Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.As Canada collectively manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas in the long-term. As the energy transition advances, pipelines are expected to evolve to include the transportation of carbon dioxide and natural gas for conversion to hydrogen and ammonia.In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the key to advancing our country’s energy transition to a low-carbon economy is a skilled and well-trained energy workforce. Each province is unique and the approaches to a clean energy transition will be different across the country, using the abundance of each region’s resources, technology, talent, and experience. In Alberta, for example, such opportunities are expected to involve hydrogen derived from natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), critical minerals, renewable forms of energy and biofuels.Alberta is playing a critical role in Canada’s current and future energy economy, including the building of a prosperous net-zero future. On November 8, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $300 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund's Net Zero Accelerator initiative alongside a provincial contribution to support a $1.6 billion project by Air Products Canada Ltd. to advance clean fuels and clean energy in Canada and secure hundreds of middle-class jobs. These contributions will support the construction, in Edmonton, of a hydrogen production and liquefaction facility, which will create approximately 230 jobs. Making such investments in clean energy technologies and projects, alongside provincial and industry partners, will help grow our economy and support Canada in its efforts to meet its net zero and other environmental objectives.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandIncome security is a shared jurisdiction across different levels of government. At the federal level, the Government of Canada already has programs with similar features to a basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, the Old Age Security program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. In addition, existing programs such as the Canada Workers Benefit and Employment Insurance provide income supports for low-income individuals with labour market attachment or those with insurable employment. These programs exist alongside provincial and territorial social assistance programs.The Government of Canada continually undertakes research and analysis on a range of policies and programs as part of its efforts to ensure that all Canadians have a real and fair opportunity to succeed. Findings from this analysis underscore that a universal basic income program would represent a major change in Canada's social safety net, not only in scope and scale, but also in the way it would have to engage provincial/territorial jurisdiction over social assistance. As numerous academics have pointed out, any basic income proposal has to confront fundamental trade-offs in relation to the amount of the benefit level, the impact on work incentives, and program costs. Estimates from different sources place the cost of a basic income at between $80 billion to over $200 billion each year. Depending on choices on those trade-offs and the means of financing, basic income designs could lead some lower-income people to be worse off. For example, the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s recent basic income study in 2021 identified average annual losses exceeding $5,300 for single parents in the second lowest income quintile due to the elimination of existing programs/tax credits to finance a basic income in that model.
C-223, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic incomeCarbon taxGuaranteed Income SupplementPipeline transportation
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 13, 2022441-00818441-00818 (Taxation)ScotDavidsonYork—SimcoeConservativeONOctober 27, 2022December 13, 2022October 20, 2022Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • High inflation rates are driving the cost of living up for all Canadians;
  • The price of gasoline and diesel is hitting record-highs across Canada, making it more expensive for Canadians to get to work, transport goods, and to live their everyday lives;
  • The Government of Canada has continued to intake significant revenue from high fuel costs, far exceeding what would have been projected; and
  • Canadians need immediate financial relief.
We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
  • 1. Suspend the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on gasoline and diesel; and
  • 2. Suspend the carbon tax.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate change is an existential challenge, and climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta – approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds from the federal fuel charge are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution.In 2023-24, the federal fuel charge will continue to apply in these provinces, and will come into effect as of July 1, 2023 in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, where 90 percent of direct proceeds will be returned to residents through Climate Action Incentive payments. Starting in July 2023, a family of four will receive $328 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $240 in Prince Edward Island and $248 in Nova Scotia each quarter; starting in April 2023, such a family will receive $244 in Ontario, $264 in Manitoba, $340 in Saskatchewan, and $386 in Alberta on a quarterly basis. Families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent. Some 8 out of 10 families receiving Climate Action Incentive payments get more money back than they pay in direct costs under this system, with families that earn less benefitting the most, on average. The GST Credit helps offset the financial impact of the GST for low- and modest-income people and families. The credit is paid quarterly in January, April, July, and October. To support those most affected by inflation, starting November 4, 2022, an estimated 11 million low- and modest-income people and families will receive an additional GST Credit payment, equivalent to doubling the credit for six months. Single Canadians without children will receive up to an extra $234, and couples with two children will receive up to an extra $467. Seniors will receive an extra $225 on average.
Carbon pricingCarbon taxGoods and services tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 9, 2022441-00812441-00812 (Natural resources and energy)GlenMotzMedicine Hat—Cardston—WarnerConservativeABOctober 26, 2022December 9, 2022June 7, 2022PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:
  • The carbon tax is set to continually rise each year until 2030, which will add an extra 38 cents per litre at the gas station;
  • The carbon tax drives up the cost of everyday essentials, including gas, groceries and heating and makes life very expensive for Canadians;
  • The Bank of Canada has said that the carbon tax has increased the impact of inflation by close to 0.5%;
  • The carbon tax is an added expense to Canadian businesses while also creating an economic disadvantage compared to other nations; and
  • CO2 emissions have only increased under the Liberal government.
Therefore we, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) End the carbon tax and charging GST on the carbon tax, which harms businesses, families and our economy;2) Reduce inflation and government spending; and3) Approve pipelines and other projects, especially LNG pipelines, to get clean ethical Canadian energy to tidewater and international markets.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada is advancing a number of efforts to realize its clean growth objectives and position itself to be a global supplier of clean energy in a net zero world. In addition to renewable energy expansion and the deployment of clean fuels, Canada remains committed to regulatory effectiveness, efficiency and transparency across all forms of energy development and use. Together, these efforts will help combat climate change and ensure Canada and Canada’s allies can rely on a secure and diverse supply of energy.As Canada manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.As the world moves through the energy transition, Canada will remain an economy in which sustainable development of natural resources will continue to make an indispensable contribution to a prosperous and  diversified energy future.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate change is an existential challenge, and climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Carbon pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why our government has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal carbon pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the carbon price is returned.In Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta—approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution.In 2022-23, these payments mean a family of four receives $745 in Ontario, $832 in Manitoba, $1,101 in Saskatchewan, and $1,079 in Alberta. In addition, families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent.  Climate Action Incentive payments started to be delivered as quarterly payments in July of this year instead of a refundable credit claimed annually on personal income tax returns.With respect to the application of the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service. The general rule that was adopted at the inception of the GST, under the Mulroney government, and carried over for the HST, is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies, and charges that apply to the good or service and are generally embedded in the final price. This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada. It also makes it easier for vendors to calculate the amount of tax payable, for consumers to understand, and for the Canada Revenue Agency to administer.High inflation is a global phenomenon, driven by the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have led to sharply higher food and energy prices, and persistent impacts from supply chain disruptions and the pandemic. In Canada, rising housing-related prices have primarily contributed to the portion of inflation driven by domestic factors.On the demand side, the Bank of Canada has begun tightening monetary policy, while the government continues to move forward with withdrawing COVID supports that are no longer necessary, while committing to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term. Indeed, the IMF projects that Canada will have the fastest pace of deficit reduction in the G7 by next year. In addition, as announced in Budget 2022, the government is taking measured and appropriate steps to moderate spending through the launch of a comprehensive Strategic Policy Review with a target of finding savings of $6 billion over five years, and $3 billion annually by 2026-27.On the supply side, to keep inflation expectations in check, the government is taking action to boost the economy’s supply capacity. The investment in Early Learning and Child Care, which is expected to yield a material increase in labour-force participation, is one important example. Budget 2022 redoubled the focus on expanding the economy’s capacity with investments to grow and maintain our talented and diverse workforce through immigration and skills development; facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy; drive innovation and business growth; and make our cities more competitive by expanding the supply of housing. To help with affordability challenges, the government is implementing targeted investments to support Canadians, such as:
  • Making an historic investment of $30 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners.
  • Investing $938 million to provide dental care to uninsured Canadians with a family income of less than $90,000 annually, starting with children under 12 this year. The Canada Dental Benefit would provide families with direct payments totaling up to $1,300 per child over the next two years (up to $650 per year) to cover the cost of dental care for their children under 12.
  • Providing $1.7 billion in new support for low-income workers this year by enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit. A modest-income couple could receive up to $2,400 more this year and a single worker up to $1,200 more.
  • Providing $2.5 billion in additional targeted support for low- and modest-income Canadians by doubling the GST credit for six months. Couples with two children would receive up to an extra $467 and single Canadians without children would receive up to an extra $234. 
  • Providing a one-time tax-free payment of $500 to nearly two million qualifying Canadians who are struggling with the cost of rent. This federal benefit would be in addition to the Canada Housing Benefit currently co-funded and delivered by provinces and territories, and would be available to applicants with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families, or below $20,000 for individuals, who pay at least 30 percent of their income on rent.
  • Implementing a ten percent increase to the Old Age Security pension for seniors age 75 and over in July 2022, which will provide additional benefits of over $800 to full pensioners in the first year.
Importantly, key government benefits are also adjusted for inflation over time, including, among others, Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Canada Child Benefit, and the GST Credit.
Carbon taxOil and gasPipeline transportation
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 2, 2022441-00765441-00765 (Social affairs and equality)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABOctober 19, 2022December 2, 2022May 3, 2022PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:
  • Bill S-233 and Bill C-223 propose to develop a framework for a universal basic income;
  • A guaranteed basic income means that people would receive a paycheck even if they don't work or don't contribute to our communities;
  • The cost of sending every Canadian money and managing an income distribution system would be in the billions of dollars;
  • Universal income disincentivizes people from working and maintaining a job; and
  • Taxes would have to be astronomically raised to pay for this new expenditure.
Therefore we the undersigned, call upon parliamentarians to:1) Vote against Bill S-233 and Bill C-223 and any other legislation that encourages a universal income;2) End the carbon tax and reduce inflation that reduces people's purchasing power ; and3) Approve new and existing pipeline proposals getting Canadian energy to tidewater while stimulating job growth in Alberta and across Canada.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.As Canada collectively manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the key to advancing our country’s energy transition to a low-carbon economy is a skilled and well-trained energy workforce. Each province is unique and the approaches to a clean energy transition will be different across the country, using the abundance of each region’s resources, technology, talent, and experience. In Alberta, for example, such opportunities are expected to involve hydrogen derived from natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), critical minerals, renewable forms of energy and biofuels.Alberta is playing a critical role in Canada’s current and future energy economy, including the building of a prosperous net-zero future. In April of this year, the Government of Canada announced a combined investment of more than $7.5 million to four organizations in Alberta that are in the process of advancing emerging clean technologies. These technologies will help grow our economy and support Canada in its efforts to meet environmental targets, delivering clean and reliable energy and creating sustainable jobs for Albertans.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandIncome security is a shared jurisdiction across different levels of government. At the federal level, the Government of Canada already has programs with similar features to a basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, the Old Age Security program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. In addition, existing programs such as the Canada Workers Benefit and Employment Insurance provide income supports for low-income individuals with labour market attachment or those with insurable employment. These programs exist alongside provincial and territorial social assistance programs.The Government of Canada continually undertakes research and analysis on a range of policies and programs as part of its efforts to ensure that all Canadians have a real and fair opportunity to succeed. Findings from this analysis underscore that a universal basic income program would represent a major change in Canada's social safety net, not only in scope and scale, but also in the way it would have to engage provincial/territorial jurisdiction over social assistance. As numerous academics have pointed out, any basic income proposal has to confront fundamental trade-offs in relation to the amount of the benefit level, the impact on work incentives, and program costs. Estimates from different sources place the cost of a basic income at between $80 billion to over $200 billion each year. Depending on choices on those trade-offs and the means of financing, basic income designs could lead some lower-income people to be worse off. For example, the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s recent basic income study in 2021 identified average annual losses exceeding $5,300 for single parents in the second lowest income quintile due to the elimination of existing programs/tax credits to finance a basic income in that model. 
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOn climate change, the science is clear—we must take action now to protect our planet and secure our children’s future. But the economics are clear too: to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.It is much harder to cut pollution if it is free to pollute. The principle is straightforward: a price on carbon pollution establishes how much businesses and households need to pay for their carbon pollution. The higher the price, the greater the incentive to pollute less, conserve energy, and invest in low-carbon solutions. Canadians and businesses understand that putting a price on carbon pollution spurs the development of new technologies and services that can help reduce their emissions cost-effectively, from how they heat their homes to what kind of energy they use to do so. It also provides Canadians and businesses with an incentive to adopt these changes or solutions into their lives. That's why experts consistently recommend carbon pollution pricing as an efficient, effective approach to reducing emissions.Since 2019, every jurisdiction in Canada has had a comparable price on carbon pollution. Canada's approach is flexible: any province or territory can design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or it can choose the federal pricing system. The Government of Canada sets minimum national stringency standards (the "benchmark") that all systems must meet to ensure they are comparable and effective in reducing GHG emissions. If a province decides not to price carbon pollution, or proposes a system that does not meet these standards, the federal system is applied. In August 2021, the Government of Canada published strengthened benchmark criteria that all systems will need to meet from 2023-2030.A key element of the federal benchmark is the price on carbon pollution. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030. The price schedule is laid out to 2030 to create certainty, which is important for attracting private sector investment.The federal carbon pollution pricing system has two parts: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels like gasoline and natural gas (the "fuel charge"), and a performance-based emissions trading system for industries, known as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS).The federal carbon pollution pricing system returns all direct proceeds back to the jurisdiction where they were collected. Some provinces and territories receive the funds directly and can use them as they see fit. In other provinces, the federal government uses the proceeds to support to individuals, Indigenous Peoples, families, and businesses through direct payments and federal programming.The majority of households in jurisdictions that receive Climate Action Incentive payments under the federal backstop system receive more money than they pay. Direct payments to households work because they help make the price on carbon pollution affordable, and enable households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. Jurisdictions that currently receive Climate Action Incentive payments are Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.     
C-223, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic incomeCarbon taxGuaranteed Income SupplementPipeline transportation
44th Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 1, 2022441-00758441-00758 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABOctober 18, 2022December 1, 2022February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the current pandemic is causing significant disruptions to business models; Whereas, during the 2019 Federal election, then federal environment minister said the carbon tax would be frozen at $50 a tonne annually as of 2022;Whereas, the Liberal Government has repeatedly told Canadians that the Carbon Tax would be revenue neutral for most taxpayers;Whereas, low- and middle-income Canadians are already overtaxed;Whereas, the first-ever annual carbon tax revenue report indicates tax collections were as much as 21% higher than rebates paid to taxpayers in four provinces - Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick;Whereas, the 'A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy' plan now proposes to increase the Carbon Tax to $170 per tonne as of 2030.Therefore we, the undersigned, Citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to keep its promise to Canadians and not increase the Carbon Tax beyond $50 per tonne.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada knows that climate change presents a threat to our long-term health and economic prosperity. Even in these challenging times, good environmental policy and addressing climate change matter.Putting a price on pollution is an important part of Canada’s future, and the Government is doing this in a way that maintains affordability for households and ensures the competitiveness of Canadian companies. All of the direct proceeds generated by the federal pollution pricing system are returned to the province or territory of origin. The price on pollution is revenue neutral to the federal government.In jurisdictions that have not proposed their own fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark criteria – Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta – the federal price on pollution is in place. In those provinces, approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds from the fuel charge are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive payments. Most households get more in Climate Action Incentive payments than the increased costs they face from the federal pollution pricing system. The remaining fuel charge proceeds are used to support small businesses, Indigenous groups and farmers.The Government of Canada will continue to take further action as required to ensure that the health of Canadians is protected, that families and businesses are supported, and that the economy remains strong in the face of uncertainty.To this end, the Government of Canada recently proposed to increase the price on pollution through to 2030, and will continue to provide support to Canadians so that the majority of households will continue to be better off. Going forward, the federal price on pollution will continue to be revenue neutral for the Government of Canada. The government remains committed to ensuring that the federal price on pollution remains affordable, and to helping households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions.
Carbon pricingCarbon tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 17, 2022441-00730441-00730 (Social affairs and equality)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABOctober 4, 2022November 17, 2022June 7, 2022PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:
  • Bill S-233 and Bill C-223 propose to develop a framework for a universal basic income;
  • A guaranteed basic income means that people would receive a paycheck even if they don't work or don't contribute to our communities;
  • The cost of sending every Canadian money and managing an income distribution system would be in the billions of dollars;
  • Universal income disincentivizes people from working and maintaining a job; and
  • Taxes would have to be astronomically raised to pay for this new expenditure.
Therefore we the undersigned, call upon parliamentarians to:1) Vote against Bill S-233 and Bill C-223 and any other legislation that encourages a universal income;2) End the carbon tax and reduce inflation that reduces people's purchasing power ; and3) Approve new and existing pipeline proposals getting Canadian energy to tidewater while stimulating job growth in Alberta and across Canada.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.As Canada collectively manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the key to advancing our country’s energy transition to a low-carbon economy is a skilled and well-trained energy workforce. Each province is unique and the approaches to a clean energy transition will be different across the country, using the abundance of each region’s resources, technology, talent, and experience. In Alberta, for example, such opportunities are expected to involve hydrogen derived from natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), critical minerals, renewable forms of energy and biofuels.Alberta is playing a critical role in Canada’s current and future energy economy, including the building of a prosperous net-zero future. In April of this year, the Government of Canada announced a combined investment of more than $7.5 million to four organizations in Alberta that are in the process of advancing emerging clean technologies. These technologies will help grow our economy and support Canada in its efforts to meet environmental targets, delivering clean and reliable energy and creating sustainable jobs for Albertans.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandIncome security is a shared jurisdiction across different levels of government. At the federal level, the Government of Canada already has programs with similar features to a basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, the Old Age Security program and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. In addition, existing programs such as the Canada Workers Benefit and Employment Insurance (EI) provide income supports for low-income individuals with labour market attachment or those with insurable employment. These programs exist alongside provincial and territorial social assistance programs.The Government of Canada continually undertakes research and analysis on a range of policies and programs as part of its efforts to ensure that all Canadians have a real and fair opportunity to succeed. Findings from this analysis underscore that a universal basic income program would represent a major change in Canada's social safety net, not only in scope and scale, but also in the way it would have to engage provincial/territorial jurisdiction over social assistance. As numerous academics have pointed out, any basic income proposal has to confront fundamental trade-offs in relation to the amount of the benefit level, the impact on work incentives, and program costs.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOn climate change, the science is clear—we must take action now to protect our planet and secure our children’s future. But the economics are clear too: to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.It is much harder to cut pollution if it is free to pollute. The principle is straightforward: a price on carbon pollution establishes how much businesses and households need to pay for their carbon pollution. The higher the price, the greater the incentive to pollute less, conserve energy, and invest in low-carbon solutions. Canadians and businesses understand that putting a price on carbon pollution spurs the development of new technologies and services that can help reduce their emissions cost-effectively, from how they heat their homes to what kind of energy they use to do so. It also provides Canadians and businesses with an incentive to adopt these changes or solutions into their lives. That's why experts consistently recommend carbon pollution pricing as an efficient, effective approach to reducing emissions.Since 2019, every jurisdiction in Canada has had a comparable price on carbon pollution. Canada's approach is flexible: any province or territory can design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or it can choose the federal pricing system. The Government of Canada sets minimum national stringency standards (the "benchmark") that all systems must meet to ensure they are comparable and effective in reducing GHG emissions. If a province decides not to price carbon pollution, or proposes a system that does not meet these standards, the federal system is applied. In August 2021, the Government of Canada published strengthened benchmark criteria that all systems will need to meet from 2023-2030.A key element of the federal benchmark is the price on carbon pollution. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030. The price schedule is laid out to 2030 to create certainty, which is important for attracting private sector investment.The federal carbon pollution pricing system has two parts: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels like gasoline and natural gas (the "fuel charge"), and a performance-based emissions trading system for industries, known as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS).The federal carbon pollution pricing system returns all direct proceeds back to the jurisdiction where they were collected. Some provinces and territories receive the funds directly and can use them as they see fit. In other provinces, the federal government uses the proceeds to support to individuals, Indigenous Peoples, families, and businesses through direct payments and federal programming.The majority of households in jurisdictions that receive Climate Action Incentive payments under the federal backstop system receive more money than they pay. Direct payments to households work because they help make the price on carbon pollution affordable, and enable households to make investments to increase energy efficiency and further reduce emissions. Jurisdictions that currently receive Climate Action Incentive payments are Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.   
C-223, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic incomeCarbon taxGuaranteed Income SupplementPipeline transportation
44th Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 14, 2022441-00699441-00699 (Natural resources and energy)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABSeptember 26, 2022November 14, 2022June 7, 2022PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:
  • The carbon tax is set to continually rise each year until 2030, which will add an extra 38 cents per litre at the gas station;
  • The carbon tax drives up the cost of everyday essentials, including gas, groceries and heating and makes life very expensive for Canadians;
  • The Bank of Canada has said that the carbon tax has increased the impact of inflation by close to 0.5%;
  • The carbon tax is an added expense to Canadian businesses while also creating an economic disadvantage compared to other nations; and
  • CO2 emissions have only increased under the Liberal government.
Therefore we, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) End the carbon tax and charging GST on the carbon tax, which harms businesses, families and our economy;2) Reduce inflation and government spending; and3) Approve pipelines and other projects, especially LNG pipelines, to get clean ethical Canadian energy to tidewater and international markets.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada is advancing a number of efforts to realize its clean growth objectives and position itself to be a global supplier of clean energy in a net zero world. In addition to renewable energy expansion and the deployment of clean fuels, Canada remains committed to regulatory effectiveness, efficiency and transparency across all forms of energy development and use. Together, these efforts will help combat climate change and ensure Canada and Canada’s allies can rely on a secure and diverse supply of energy.As Canada collectively manages the dual crises of energy security and climate change, the Government of Canada recognizes that a strong oil and gas sector will continue to play a key role throughout Canada’s and the world’s transition to a low-carbon economy. A key part of supporting this transition is continued investment in new and existing energy infrastructure, including pipelines. Such investments are necessary to ensure the reliability of Canada’s energy system, including meeting current oil and natural gas demand and the transportation of various cleaner, low carbon fuels. Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil and natural gas. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.In the near-term, the Canadian energy industry is advancing projects to increase the capacity of Canada’s oil and natural gas pipelines to ensure access to export markets, which will also help Canadian producers receive a fair market price for their products. These efforts range from small increases to the capacity of existing pipelines by adding pumping or compression power, to the building of major new projects approved by the Government of Canada, such as the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project, and TC Energy’s expansion of its Nova Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) system of natural gas pipelines.Further efforts to increase Canada’s export capacity are also being explored, including investments in new natural gas pipeline projects to enable LNG exports from Canada’s West and East coasts. LNG Canada, which will begin exporting to Asian markets in 2025, and other proposed Canadian LNG projects, aim to develop the world’s lowest emitting facilities and establish reliable, direct access to global markets to capture higher value for Canadian natural gas, support allies’ energy security, and advance the global energy transition.As we move through the energy transition, Canada will remain an economy in which sustainable development of natural resources will continue to make an indispensable contribution to our ongoing prosperity. Canada will continue working with our American neighbours to strengthen our shared energy infrastructure and our continental supply chains.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate change is an existential challenge, and climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Carbon pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why our government has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal carbon pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the carbon price is returned.In Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta—approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution.In 2022-23, these payments mean a family of four receives $745 in Ontario, $832 in Manitoba, $1,101 in Saskatchewan, and $1,079 in Alberta. In addition, families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent.  Climate Action Incentive payments started to be delivered as quarterly payments in July of this year instead of a refundable credit claimed annually on personal income tax returns.With respect to the application of the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service. The general rule that was adopted at the inception of the GST, under the Mulroney government, and carried over for the HST, is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies, and charges that apply to the good or service and are generally embedded in the final price. This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada. It also makes it easier for vendors to calculate the amount of tax payable, for consumers to understand, and for the Canada Revenue Agency to administer.High inflation is a global phenomenon, driven by the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have led to sharply higher food and energy prices, and persistent impacts from supply chain disruptions and the pandemic. In Canada, rising housing-related prices have primarily contributed to the portion of inflation driven by domestic factors.On the demand side, the Bank of Canada has begun tightening monetary policy, while the government continues to move forward with withdrawing COVID supports that are no longer necessary, while committing to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term. Indeed, the IMF projects that Canada will have the fastest pace of deficit reduction in the G7 by next year. In addition, as announced in Budget 2022, the government is taking measured and appropriate steps to moderate spending through the launch of a comprehensive Strategic Policy Review with a target of finding savings of $6 billion over five years, and $3 billion annually by 2026-27.On the supply side, to keep inflation expectations in check, the government is taking action to boost the economy’s supply capacity. The investment in Early Learning and Child Care, which is expected to yield a material increase in labour-force participation, is one important example. Budget 2022 redoubled the focus on expanding the economy’s capacity with investments to grow and maintain our talented and diverse workforce through immigration and skills development; facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy; drive innovation and business growth; and make our cities more competitive by expanding the supply of housing. To help with affordability challenges, the government is implementing targeted investments to support Canadians, such as:
  • Making an historic investment of $30 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners.
  • Investing $938 million to provide dental care to uninsured Canadians with a family income of less than $90,000 annually, starting with children under 12 this year. The Canada Dental Benefit would provide families with direct payments totaling up to $1,300 per child over the next two years (up to $650 per year) to cover the cost of dental care for their children under 12.
  • Providing $1.7 billion in new support for low-income workers this year by enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit. A modest-income couple could receive up to $2,400 more this year and a single worker up to $1,200 more.
  • Providing $2.5 billion in additional targeted support for low- and modest-income Canadians by doubling the GST credit for six months. Couples with two children would receive up to an extra $467 and single Canadians without children would receive up to an extra $234. 
  • Providing a one-time tax-free payment of $500 to nearly two million qualifying Canadians who are struggling with the cost of rent. This federal benefit would be in addition to the Canada Housing Benefit currently co-funded and delivered by provinces and territories, and would be available to applicants with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families, or below $20,000 for individuals, who pay at least 30 percent of their income on rent.
  • Implementing a ten percent increase to the Old Age Security pension for seniors age 75 and over in July 2022, which will provide additional benefits of over $800 to full pensioners in the first year.
Importantly, key government benefits are also adjusted for inflation over time, including, among others, Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Canada Child Benefit, and the GST Credit.
Carbon taxOil and gasPipeline transportation44th Parliament223Government response tabledSeptember 20, 2022441-00603441-00603 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 16, 2022September 20, 2022February 12, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas, the Liberal government's Carbon Tax has placed farmers and ranchers in a carbon tax trap. Our global competitors are not burdened by tens of thousands of dollars of carbon tax debt while Canadian farmers and ranchers do not have the ability to add the carbon tax levy to the price of their product. Instead, they are subject to paying this tax as it is levied by their input suppliers; Whereas, the Liberal government knows what the true cost of this ill-conceived tax will be on Canadian farmers over the coming years since it has undertaken several studies on the impact of the Carbon Tax on farmers, but it has also consistently refused to release their findings to Canadians; Whereas, according to a report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer based on Statistics Canada information, the average farm in Alberta with about 850 seeded acres of crops can expect to see the Liberal government's carbon tax cost it slightly more than $17,000 per year, once the tax reaches $50 per tonne in 2022; Whereas, the Liberal government has now announced that the Carbon Tax will increase to $170 per tonne by 2030 even though the Liberal government denied they would increase it beyond $50 per tonne during the last election; Whereas, the Liberal government is now also in the process of implementing a so-called Clean Fuel Standard initiative that some studies estimate will represent a total cost to the Canadian economy of $7 to $15 billion and 50,000 lost jobs, including an impact of $389 million to the Agricultural sector; Whereas, the high costs of the Clean Fuel Standard is even more questionable given the tax's unachievable emissions reduction goal. Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the House of Commons to take the following actions to address the situation:1. Immediately exempt all direct and indirect input costs incurred by farmers as a result of the Carbon Tax. 2. Immediately cancel implementation of the Clean Fuel Standard which will have a devastating impact on the Canadian economy, including the agriculture sector.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPThe Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food understands and acknowledges the concerns of the petitioners. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) recognizes that taking action to address climate change is critical and urgent, both for our environment and our economy. The Department is actively engaging with partners to ensure that Canadian farmers and ranchers remain competitive and that our water, air, and soil are sustainable for generations to come.Farmers are important drivers of the Canadian economy and play a key role in land stewardship and conservation. The Government recognizes their important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including through new land management practices and innovative technologies.The costs of inaction on climate change are enormous, as evidenced in the catastrophic weather events that have had severe impacts, including for Canadian farms. The costs of a changing climate mean that it cannot be free to pollute. Putting a price on carbon pollution is the most efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as it reduces pollution at the lowest cost to businesses and households, and stimulates investments in clean innovation.The federal approach to price carbon pollution was specifically designed to provide targeted relief for farmers. For example, the federal fuel charge does not apply to gasoline and diesel used in tractors, trucks and other farm machinery. Commercial greenhouse operators receive an 80% exemption on the use of propane and natural gas, and there is no price on pollution for emissions from livestock and crop production. All proceeds from the federal price on pollution are returned to the province of origin, to individuals, families and businesses with rural families receiving a supplementary amount.AAFC recognizes that costs have gone up for some producers because of carbon pollution pricing applied to natural gas and propane. The Government is committing to a path forward that addresses such challenges, including new rebates for on-farm fuel use such as grain drying, to both support our food producers and encourage new investments in sustainable technologies that go beyond existing exemptions for farm fuels and rebates for greenhouses. As such, the Government has introduced a refundable tax credit this year for farm businesses operating in backstop jurisdictions. It is estimated that farmers will receive $100 million in the first year, and this amount is expected to increase in subsequent years as the price on carbon increases. This measure will help farmers transition to lower-carbon ways of farming while maintaining the price signal to reduce emissions.As well, the Government of Canada's recently announced Emissions Reduction Plan, confirmed in Budget 2022, provides over $1 billion in funding for the agriculture sector.This investment includes additional funding of $330 million for the Agricultural Clean Technologies Program, to support the development of transformative clean technologies and help farmers adopt commercially available clean technology, and $470 million for the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, which targets projects that accelerate emission reductions by improving nitrogen management, increasing adoption of cover cropping, and normalizing rotational grazing. As well, $150 million has been allocated for a Resilient Agricultural Landscapes Program to support carbon sequestration, adaptation and address other environmental co-benefits, and $100 million has been proposed to support fundamental and applied research, knowledge transfer, and developing metrics that will allow for net-zero emission agriculture.The Government of Canada also intends to develop a Green Agriculture Plan for Canada, in collaboration and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, to provide an integrated and coordinated approach to addressing environmental issues in the sector. This includes climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience, water, biodiversity and soil health.Canada’s GHG Offset Credit System was launched on June 8, 2022, and encourages cost-effective, voluntary emissions reductions and removals across Canada from activities not covered by carbon pollution pricing, expanding the financial incentives to reduce carbon pollution across the economy. It could create economic opportunities for farmers who implement innovative projects to reduce carbon pollution.Current provincial and federal renewable fuels regulations have helped build a vibrant yet relatively small domestic biofuels industry, for which Canadian farmers and food processors supply high-quality feedstock. The renewable fuel industry is an important stable, domestic market, and a driver of market diversity for the agriculture and agri-food sectors. The Clean Fuel Regulations will include low-carbon and zero-emissions fuels and further enhance the opportunity for agriculture and agri-food sectors to provide low-carbon feedstock and contribute to Canadian climate change commitments, while providing farmers in Canada with more domestic marketing opportunities for their product.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOn climate change, the science is clear—we must take action now to protect our planet and secure our children’s future. But the economics are clear too: to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come we must harness the power of a cleaner future.It is much harder to cut pollution if it is free to pollute. The principle is straightforward: a price on carbon pollution establishes how much businesses and households need to pay for their carbon pollution. The higher the price the greater the incentive to pollute less, conserve energy, and invest in low-carbon solutions.Canadians and businesses understand that putting a price on carbon pollution spurs the development of new technologies and services that can help reduce their emissions cost-effectively, from how they heat their homes to what kind of energy they use to do so. It also provides Canadians and businesses with an incentive to adopt these changes or solutions into their lives. That's why experts consistently recommend carbon pollution pricing as an efficient, effective approach to reducing emissions.Since 2019, every jurisdiction in Canada has had a comparable price on carbon pollution. Not only does this help fight climate change, it puts more money back into people's pockets. Canada's approach is flexible: any province or territory can design its own pricing system tailored to local needs, or it can choose the federal pricing system. The Government of Canada sets minimum national stringency standards (the "benchmark") that all systems must meet to ensure they are comparable and effective in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If a province decides not to price carbon pollution, or proposes a system that does not meet these standards, the federal system is applied. In August 2021, the Government of Canada published strengthened benchmark criteria that all systems will need to meet from 2023-2030.A key element of the federal benchmark is the price on carbon pollution. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030. The price schedule is laid out to 2030 to create certainty, which is important for attracting private sector investment.The federal carbon pollution pricing system has two parts: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels like gasoline and natural gas (the "fuel charge"), and a performance-based emissions trading system for industries known as the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS).The Government of Canada recognizes the important role Canadian farms have to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions including through new land management practices and innovative technologies.The costs of inaction on climate change are enormous – as evidenced in the catastrophic weather events that have had severe impacts, including for Canadian farms. The costs of a changing climate mean that it cannot be free to pollute. It is well known that putting a price on carbon pollution is the most efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate investments in clean innovation. It is critical to drive low-cost emission reductions and lay the foundation for a low carbon economy.The Government designed the federal approach to pricing carbon pollution to provide targeted relief for farmers. For example, the carbon pollution price does not apply to greenhouse gas emissions from livestock or crop production. In addition, the federal fuel charge does not apply to gasoline and diesel used in tractors, trucks and other eligible farm machinery. Moreover, all direct proceeds from the federal price on pollution are returned to the province of origin, to individuals, families and businesses, and rural families receive a supplementary amount.The Government of Canada is also creating economic opportunities through carbon offsets. Canada’s GHG Offset Credit System will encourage cost-effective, voluntary GHG emissions reductions and removals across Canada from activities that are not covered by carbon pollution pricing and that go beyond legal requirements and common practices. The system was launched on June 8, 2022, including publication of final regulations and the first federal offset protocol on Landfill Methane Recovery and Destruction. Agriculture sector protocols currently under development include Livestock Feed Management and Enhanced Soil Organic Carbon. This system will create opportunities for farmers who implement projects to reduce GHG emissions or sequester carbon to earn revenue for GHG reductions.This is an example of another tool we are using to combat climate change, and create a cleaner, healthier future, and create new economic opportunities. It is part of the Government of Canada’s larger strategy, which also includes over $350 million in new agro-environmental programs as outlined in A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy.Taking serious climate action is an important economic opportunity that will maintain and create Canadian jobs, and make Canada’s economy more competitive.The Clean Fuel Regulations are a key part of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan - Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy. The Clean Fuel Regulations aim to reduce emissions and accelerate the use of clean technologies and fuels. It is estimated that the Clean Fuel Regulations will result in up to 26.6 million tonnes of GHG emissions reductions in 2030.The Regulations will work in combination with other federal, provincial, and territorial climate change policies to create an incentive for firms to invest in innovative technologies and fuels by setting long-term, predictable and stringent targets. The broad range of compliance strategies allowed under the Regulations will also allow fossil fuel suppliers the flexibility to choose the lowest-cost compliance actions available.The Regulations will establish a credit market whereby the annual carbon intensity (CI) reduction requirement could be met via three main categories of credit-creating actions:
  1.  actions that reduce the CI of the fossil fuel throughout its lifecycle,
  2.  supplying low-carbon fuels, and
  3.  supplying fuel and energy in advanced vehicle technologies.
The Clean Fuel Regulations are based on lifecycle analysis. Therefore, the lower the CI value a low-CI fuel has on a lifecycle basis, the more credits the low-CI fuel producer or importer will obtain. Producers and importers of low-CI fuel in Canada are expected to benefit from the demand created by the Regulations. It is expected that the Clean Fuel Regulations will create demand for about 2.2 billion litres of additional low CI diesel and 700 million liters of additional ethanol by 2030 creating economic opportunities for biofuel producers and feedstock providers such as farmers and foresters.  The Canola Council of Canada and Canadian Canola Growers Association have endorsed the publication of the final Clean Fuel Regulations citing the certainty that this will provide for the biofuel supply chain and the increased value to growers and the entire industry. Examples of new investments in low CI fuels in Canada include:  
  • Braya Renewable Fuels, which recently retrofitted the refinery in Come By Chance, Newfoundland and Labrador, to produce renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
  • Federated Co-operatives Limited’s plans to invest $2 billion to construct a canola crushing facility and renewable diesel plant in Alberta, with production expected to start in 2027.,
  • Covenant Energy’s plans to construct a renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production facility in Saskatchewan. 
The Clean Fuel Regulations are complemented by the Clean Fuels Fund, which will help Canadian producers respond to this demand by investing $1.5 billion to support domestic production of cleaner fuels (e.g. biofuels, biomass supply chain, hydrogen, biocrude, renewable natural gas and diesel, and cellulosic ethanol).The Clean Fuel Regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part II, on July 6, 2022. See the Government of Canada’s website on the Clean Fuel Regulations and Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 156, Number 14)
https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2022/2022-07-06/html/sor-dors140-eng.html for more details on the economic analysis of the Clean Fuel Regulations and to read the final regulations.The Government of Canada is committed to reporting back on progress toward its climate objectives. Environment and Climate Change Canada will continue to report annually to Parliament on the administration of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. Canada will also continue to report domestically on its climate change efforts through the Annual Synthesis Reports on the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework and through progress reports under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act beginning in 2023.  
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada knows that climate change presents a threat to our long-term health and economic prosperity. Even in these challenging times, addressing climate change matters. The Government values the importance of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food supply chains, and recognizes the vital importance of a resilient agriculture and agri-food sector that is able to grow sustainably.Putting a price on pollution is an important part of Canada’s future, and the government is doing this in a way that maintains affordability for households and ensures the competitiveness of Canadian companies. The purpose of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by ensuring that pollution pricing applies broadly throughout Canada.The GGPPA provides farmers with significant up-front relief of the fuel charge for gasoline and light fuel oil (diesel) used in tractors and other farm machinery. The GGPPA also provides greenhouse operators with upfront relief of 80% of the fuel charge on marketable natural gas and propane used to heat an eligible greenhouse, or to supplement carbon dioxide in an eligible greenhouse in order to grow or produce plants.Recognizing that many farmers use natural gas and propane in their operations, the government is returning a portion of fuel charge proceeds directly to farming businesses in backstop jurisdictions via a refundable tax credit, starting for the 2021-22 fuel charge year. It is estimated that farmers would receive $100 million in the first year and $122 million in the second year, with this amount expected to increase as the price on carbon pollution rises.The government recognizes the importance of the agriculture sector in Canada. To this end, the Government of Canada is always working hard with stakeholders, representatives of various sectors, and provinces to find real, practical solutions for farmers, as needed. 
Carbon pricingCarbon taxClean Fuel RegulationsConsumer priceFarming and farmers44th Parliament223Government response tabledSeptember 20, 2022441-00532441-00532 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJune 6, 2022September 20, 2022February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the government's carbon tax system results in GST being applied to carbon taxes, ultimately leading to double taxation on essential goods and services and additional costs being filtered down to consumers.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to eliminate the GST on the federal carbon tax, levies, and additional costs the newly announced standards charges.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate change is an existential challenge, and climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Carbon pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why our government has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal carbon pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the carbon price is returned.In Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta—approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution.In 2022-23, these payments mean a family of four will receive $745 in Ontario, $832 in Manitoba, $1,101 in Saskatchewan, and $1,079 in Alberta. In addition, families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 per cent.  Climate Action Incentive payments will begin to be delivered as quarterly payments starting July of this year instead of a refundable credit claimed annually on personal income tax returns.The remaining fuel charge proceeds are used to support small businesses, farmers, Indigenous groups, and other organizations.  Going forward, the federal carbon price will continue to be revenue neutral for the Government of Canada.With respect to the application of the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service.  The general rule that was adopted under Prime Minister Mulroney at the inception of the GST, and carried over for the HST, is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies, and charges that apply to the good or service and are generally embedded in the final price.  This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada.  It also makes it easier for vendors to calculate the amount of tax payable, for consumers to understand, and for the Canada Revenue Agency to administer.
Carbon pricingCarbon taxGoods and services tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledSeptember 20, 2022441-00526441-00526 (Natural resources and energy)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABJune 6, 2022September 20, 2022May 3, 2022PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas:
  • The carbon tax is set to continually rise each year until 2030, which will add an extra 38 cents per litre at the gas station;
  • The carbon tax drives up the cost of everyday essentials, including gas, groceries and heating and makes life very expensive for Canadians;
  • The Bank of Canada has said that the carbon tax has increased the impact of inflation by close to 0.5%;
  • The carbon tax is an added expense to Canadian businesses while also creating an economic disadvantage compared to other nations; and
  • CO2 emissions have only increased under the Liberal government.
Therefore we, the undersigned, call upon the Government of Canada to:1) End the carbon tax and charging GST on the carbon tax, which harms businesses, families and our economy;2) Reduce inflation and government spending; and3) Approve pipelines and other projects, especially LNG pipelines, to get clean ethical Canadian energy to tidewater and international markets.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada is leading in the deployment of clean fuels, such as Hydrogen, that are essential to both combatting climate change and assuring the energy security of Canada and Canada’s allies.Canadians made it clear that more needs to be done to reduce emission and fight climate change. This is why the Government of Canada is committed in developing the hydrogen sector as a viable and reliable source of energy. Hydrogen is an important climate solution that is aligned with net-zero while spurring economic growth from coast to coast to coast. In 2019, the hydrogen sector generated $200 million in hydrogen technology exports, such as fuel cells, while employing over 2,000 Canadians. Exports of Canadian hydrogen technologies are growing exponentially and are employed in countries around the world. As our investment in the sector grows, Canada has the potential to become a hydrogen superpower.Regarding hydrocarbons, the Government of Canada is in the process of developing guidance for all future oil and gas production projects subject to a federal impact assessment, ensuring that they will have “best-in-class” low-emissions performance. Successful proponents are building energy transition considerations into project design, such as plans to transition to hydrogen production and export. Increasingly, consumers are looking to source energy products produced with the lowest possible carbon intensity.Pipelines are currently the safest and most efficient way to transport crude oil. Their use is expected to evolve as the energy transition continues – including the transportation of hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Canada’s natural gas and petroleum reserves can be converted to hydrogen with carbon abatement, providing a new value-added market for Canada’s conventional energy resources that reduces emissions. The future of global demand in a net-zero economy is for non-combustible petroleum products with minimal production emissions, such as waxes and lubricants.Investments in clean energy creates sustainable jobs, enhances economic growth and energy security, and supports the shift towards clean electricity generation. Canada is a world leader in terms of clean energy production, including renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar energy.Canada’s production of clean energy grows from one year to the next. The federal government is investing in clean energy production and the development of new technologies in the energy sector. Investments include the $1.56 billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program, to replace fossil-fuel generated electricity with renewables and to fund grid modernization projects, which has already deployed clean energy in coastal, remote, and Indigenous communities. The Government of Canada is also delivering the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities program, which, coupled with additional investments in the Strengthened Climate Plan, provides over $500 million to get rural and remote communities – including Indigenous communities – off of diesel.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate change is an existential challenge, and climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Carbon pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why our government has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the federal government; the direct proceeds from the federal carbon pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the carbon price is returned.In Prince Edward Island, Yukon, and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned to the governments of these jurisdictions. In provinces that do not have a fuel charge consistent with the federal benchmark—Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta—approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution.In 2022-23, these payments mean a family of four will receive $745 in Ontario, $832 in Manitoba, $1,101 in Saskatchewan, and $1,079 in Alberta. In addition, families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 per cent.  Climate Action Incentive payments will begin to be delivered as quarterly payments starting July of this year instead of a refundable credit claimed annually on personal income tax returns.With respect to the application of the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service.  The general rule that was adopted at the inception of the GST, under the Mulroney government, and carried over for the HST, is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies, and charges that apply to the good or service and are generally embedded in the final price.  This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada.  It also makes it easier for vendors to calculate the amount of tax payable, for consumers to understand, and for the Canada Revenue Agency to administer.High inflation is a global phenomenon, driven by the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which have led to sharply higher food and energy prices, and persistent impacts from supply chain disruptions and the pandemic. In Canada, rising housing-related prices have primarily contributed to the portion of inflation driven by domestic factors.On the demand side, the Bank of Canada has begun tightening monetary policy, while the government continues to move forward with withdrawing COVID supports that are no longer necessary, while committing to reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term. Indeed, the IMF projects that Canada will have the fastest pace of deficit reduction in the G7 by next year. In addition, as announced in Budget 2022, the government is taking measured and appropriate steps to moderate spending through the launch of a comprehensive Strategic Policy Review with a target of finding savings of $6 billion over five years, and $3 billion annually by 2026-27.On the supply side, to keep inflation expectations in check, the government is taking action to boost the economy’s supply capacity. This directly addresses the biggest threat to long-term price stability: the risk that elevated inflation becomes entrenched in expectations. The government has already made important investments to boost supply capacity. The investment in Early Learning and Child Care, which is expected to yield a material increase in labour-force participation, is one important example. Budget 2022 redoubled the focus on expanding the economy’s capacity with investments to grow and maintain our talented and diverse workforce through immigration and skills development; facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy; drive innovation and business growth; and make our cities more competitive by expanding the supply of housing. To help with affordability challenges, the government is making a number of targeted investments to support Canadians, such as:
  • an historic investment of $30 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners;
  • $5.3 billion to provide dental care for Canadians with family incomes of less than $90,000 annually, starting with under 12 years-olds in 2022, expanding to under 18 years-olds, seniors and persons living with a disability in 2023, with full implementation by 2025;
  • $475 million in 2022-23 to provide a one-time, $500 payment to those facing housing affordability challenges; and
  • beginning this July, a ten percent increase to the Old Age Security (OAS) pension for seniors age 75 and over, which will provide additional benefits of over $766 to full pensioners in the first year.
Importantly, key government benefits are also adjusted for inflation over time, including, among others, Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Canada Child Benefit, and the GST Credit.
Carbon taxOil and gasPipeline transportation
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 31, 2022441-00107441-00107 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABDecember 16, 2021January 31, 2022February 15, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the government's carbon tax system results in GST being applied to carbon taxes, ultimately leading to double taxation on essential goods and services and additional costs being filtered down to consumers.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to eliminate the GST on the federal carbon tax, levies, and additional costs the newly announced standards charges.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandOur economy and the quality of life we have in Canada are deeply connected to the health of our environment. Pollution is not free. Canadians pay the price when extreme weather threatens their safety, their health, their communities and their livelihoods.That is why our Government has taken action to ensure that there is a price on pollution across Canada as of 2019. Pricing pollution is generally viewed as one of the most economically efficient ways to send a price signal to companies, investors, and consumers to make more environmentally sustainable choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is central to our country’s plan to meet our emissions reduction targets, grow the economy and build resilience to a changing climate.The federal pollution pricing system applies in provinces and territories that request it or that do not have a system in place that meets the federal benchmark. It has two components: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels (“fuel charge”) and an output-based pricing system for large industry. One or both components of the federal system currently apply in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut. The direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system will remain in the province or territory of origin. In Prince Edward Island, Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned directly to the governments of these jurisdictions. In Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Government of Canada is returning the bulk of the direct proceeds from the fuel charge directly to individuals and families, through tax-free Climate Action Incentive payments. For example, in Alberta for 2021, the baseline amount for a single adult was $490, while the baseline amount for a family of four was $981. People claimed these payments through their 2020 personal income tax returns. Budget 2021 proposed changing the delivery of CAI payments from a refundable credit claimed annually on personal income tax returns to quarterly payments made through the benefit system. This will deliver Canadians’ CAI payments on a more regular basis. These quarterly payments would start in 2022.With respect to the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax, the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service. The general rule that was adopted at the inception of the GST, when it was introduced by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies and charges that apply to the good or service and that may be embedded in the final price. This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST helps to maintain the broad-based nature of the tax, and ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada. It also simplifies the vendor’s calculation of the amount of tax payable since the vendor is not required to back out other taxes, levies and charges at the point of sale in order to determine the amount of GST/HST payable.A fair and efficient tax system is essential to the economic and social well-being of Canadians. Our Government’s approach to tax fairness is guided by the overall objective of building an economy that works for the middle class and those who are working hard to join it
Carbon pricingCarbon taxGoods and services tax
44th Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 31, 2022441-00049441-00049 (Taxation)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABDecember 13, 2021January 31, 2022February 19, 2021Petition to the House of CommonsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:Whereas, the government's carbon tax system results in GST being applied to carbon taxes, ultimately leading to double taxation on essential goods and services and additional costs being filtered down to consumers.Therefore we, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to eliminate the GST on the federal carbon tax, levies, and additional costs the newly announced standards charges.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandOur economy and the quality of life we have in Canada are deeply connected to the health of our environment. Pollution is not free. Canadians pay the price when extreme weather threatens their safety, their health, their communities and their livelihoods.That is why our Government has taken action to ensure that there is a price on pollution across Canada as of 2019. Pricing pollution is generally viewed as one of the most economically efficient ways to send a price signal to companies, investors, and consumers to make more environmentally sustainable choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is central to our country’s plan to meet our emissions reduction targets, grow the economy and build resilience to a changing climate.The federal pollution pricing system applies in provinces and territories that request it or that do not have a system in place that meets the federal benchmark. It has two components: a regulatory charge on fossil fuels (“fuel charge”) and an output-based pricing system for large industry. One or both components of the federal system currently apply in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon and Nunavut. The direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system will remain in the province or territory of origin. In Prince Edward Island, Yukon and Nunavut, the direct proceeds from the federal system are returned directly to the governments of these jurisdictions. In Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Government of Canada is returning the bulk of the direct proceeds from the fuel charge directly to individuals and families, through tax-free Climate Action Incentive payments. For example, in Alberta for 2021, the baseline amount for a single adult was $490, while the baseline amount for a family of four was $981. People claimed these payments through their 2020 personal income tax returns. Budget 2021 proposed changing the delivery of CAI payments from a refundable credit claimed annually on personal income tax returns to quarterly payments made through the benefit system. This will deliver Canadians’ CAI payments on a more regular basis. These quarterly payments would start in 2022.With respect to the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax, the GST/HST is calculated on the final amount charged for a good or service. The general rule that was adopted at the inception of the GST, when it was introduced by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, is that this final amount includes other taxes, levies and charges that apply to the good or service and that may be embedded in the final price. This longstanding approach to calculating the GST/HST helps to maintain the broad-based nature of the tax, and ensures that tax is applied evenly across goods and services consumed in Canada. It also simplifies the vendor’s calculation of the amount of tax payable since the vendor is not required to back out other taxes, levies and charges at the point of sale in order to determine the amount of GST/HST payable.A fair and efficient tax system is essential to the economic and social well-being of Canadians. Our Government’s approach to tax fairness is guided by the overall objective of building an economy that works for the middle class and those who are working hard to join it.
Carbon pricingCarbon taxGoods and services tax