Speaking before the House Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the carbon tax not just reckless but “immoral” and “inhumane”.

“I’m urging you today to heed the calls of Canadians across the country and suspend the increase in the carbon tax on April 1,” Smith said. “The carbon tax has contributed to and worsened Canadians’ stress and financial pain, despite the federal government’s claims that Canadians benefit from rebates.”

“The carbon tax, on a net basis, will cost Albertans more than $900 this year [each] if the tax is implemented,” Smith told the Committee.

She goes on, explaining that the PBO has stated that the costs will triple for each Albertan in the next six years if implemented to $2700 net by 2030–2031.

“This isn’t just reckless: it’s immoral, and it’s inhumane. And the added pressure will ruin countless lives, futures, and dreams. It’s a weight that Canadians just can’t bear. And that’s why Alberta has been calling the federal government to eliminate the carbon tax since 2019,” Smith said.

“I think most Albertans look at it as the government is taking $1 and promising to give back 75 cents. And everybody knows that that’s not a good deal.”

Smith then told the Committee that she and the province still believe in carbon neutrality but believe that it’s possible without punishing everyday Albertans.

“The only thing the carbon tax is achieving is higher costs,” Smith said, referencing Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault’s admission that the carbon tax would take until 2060 to have any measurable impact.

Havoc leading up to the testimonies

Leading up to Smith’s testimony, the Liberals were in full damage-control mode, sending MPs to critique Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s own testimony yesterday, with one MP becoming visibly shaken over a Conservative’s “I <3 Oil & Gas” laptop sticker.

When finally given the chance to speak, Moe said the impact of the federal carbon tax is “very real” in Saskatchewan, in particular for those in the north.  

In response to this, Moe took action and decided to stop charging Saskatchewanians the federal carbon tax on home heating, which he has come under fire for but which has helped most families.  

“They’re seeing some solace and savings in that with the recent decision,” he said.