Published Apr 05, 2025 • Last updated 16 hours ago • 3 minute read”Nova Scotia should follow Saskatchewan’s lead and scrap the industrial carbon tax,” says Devin Drover. Photo by Eric Wynne /THE CHRONICLE HERALDNova Scotia should follow Saskatchewan’s lead and scrap the industrial carbon tax.Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe just did it.“Saskatchewan will be the first fully carbon tax–free province in Canada,” Moe said. “In taking the lead on the removal of this harmful tax, we hope all federal leaders will support our position and allow the provinces to regulate in this area without imposing the federal backstop.”THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentNova Scotia Premier Tim Houston should move immediately to do the same.And he needs to send a strong message to anyone campaigning to be prime minister: Nova Scotia will not tolerate federal imposition of a hidden carbon tax on businesses in this province.The federal government ended the consumer carbon tax on April 1 but still forces provinces to charge an industrial carbon tax through its “federal backstop.”When Ottawa forces provinces to punish businesses with an industrial carbon tax, those businesses have to pass on those costs on to consumers. The reason is obvious. When businesses pay more to operate, they can’t just absorb the costs. That means higher grocery and electricity bills and more expensive essentials for Nova Scotians already struggling with the high cost of living.Seventy per cent of Canadians say businesses pass most or some hidden industrial carbon tax costs on to consumers, according to a recent Leger poll commissioned by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.Article contentYet Prime Minister Mark Carney has made it clear he won’t end the industrial carbon tax. Instead, he wants to “improve and tighten” it.Here’s the reality: Carney’s not making companies pay, he’s making everyday people foot the bill.Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is promising to scrap the hidden industrial carbon tax entirely if he wins the upcoming federal election.Houston prioritized resource development in his recent budget. Scrapping the industrial carbon tax will do more than just lower costs. It will allow Houston to supercharge natural resource development in the province.Nova Scotia has vast energy, fishing, farming, forestry and mining opportunities. Developing these industries will create high-paying jobs and attract investment. It will also help Nova Scotia rely less on equalization payments and stand on its own two feet.But the industrial carbon tax is a roadblock. It makes energy projects more expensive, discourages investment, slows down job creation and drives up costs for Nova Scotians.Article contentAnd that doesn’t just hurt businesses, it hurts workers. When industries are forced to pay more, they have fewer resources to expand, hire people or raise wages. Jobs disappear. And those left working are stuck paying higher prices.At a time when Nova Scotia’s unemployment rate remains higher than the national average, Houston should be doing everything possible to create jobs.Axing the industrial carbon tax will strengthen Nova Scotia’s ability to compete and finally position the province as a national leader in natural resource development.Saskatchewan has proven it can be done. Moe didn’t wait for permission from Ottawa. Instead, he took action.Houston can’t stay on the bench and watch other premiers fight back for taxpayers.With a federal election underway, Nova Scotians should demand leadership that will fight for affordability and economic growth. This is a key election issue. If more premiers stand up to Ottawa, it will send a clear message: Canadians can’t afford any kind of carbon tax.Other provinces will take notice. And if enough leaders push back, Ottawa will have no choice but to listen.The time to act is now. The time for excuses is over.Nova Scotia should scrap the industrial carbon tax immediately.Devin Drover is the Atlantic director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.Article content
PERSPECTIVE: Nova Scotia must scrap industrial carbon tax
