Recent polling shows a staggering 78% of Canadians are against Trudeau’s carbon tax hike on April 1—but he’s still going through with it.
In fact, the only ones who seem to be for the carbon tax hike are Liberal voters (i.e., his base). And even amongst them, the number of supporters is dwindling.
According to the latest Angus Reid poll, 40% of Canadians want to “abolish it altogether”. Meanwhile, 11% believe the carbon tax should be lowered rather than hiked, and 27% think it should stay at current levels. Only 1 in 5 (22%) actually favour Trudeau’s plan to hike the carbon tax.
Furthermore, only 20% believe the carbon tax is effective in any way when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison, 40% think it’s totally ineffective, 30% find it generally ineffective, and 10% aren’t sure.
On the provincial level, the data shows that “abolish it altogether” is the predominant view of Canadians in every province except for Quebec when it comes to the carbon tax. Moreover, in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and the Atlantic provinces, this opinion represents over 50% of respondents. In Manitoba, 47% believe this, while in BC and Ontario, it represents the views of 40%.
Given this data and the effect it will have on constituents, it’s no wonder that a majority of provincial premiers have issued statements pressuring Trudeau to halt the carbon tax hike. AB Premier Danielle Smith and NB Premier Blaine Higgs have taken it so far as requesting to testify against the carbon tax.
But despite its unpopularity, despite the pressure from premiers, and despite the negative impact it will have on Canadians, PM Justin Trudeau is still moving full steam ahead.
