NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The first of four annual hikes to BC’s carbon tax has pushed the price of gas even higher this week. So, how does that fit with the NDP promise to make life here more affordable?
For one, Environment Minister George Heyman says the government has committed to simply sending out some cheques. “We will, in fact be giving rebates, based on the increase in the carbon tax, on a sliding scale.”
The government has increased the low-income climate action tax credit to a maximum of $135 per adult and $40 per child annually.
“Low and moderate income people can expect to receive a significant amount of the money that’s raised back,” says Heyman.
He points out the 1.2 cent per litre hike isn’t as severe as some of the other recent hikes brought on by factors that have nothing to do with the government. Still, he says British Columbians will get that money back, in one way or another.
“When British Columbians see the return in their pocketbook from the elimination of the Medical Services Plan, when they no longer have to pay $1,200 to $1,500 a month for child care, they will think overall, the BC government — our BC government — is doing everything we can to make their lives more affordable.”
Heyman thinks their carbon tax plan ups the rebates for around 50 per cent of British Columbians.
He believes British Columbians want to see their government commit to climate action and thinks the carbon tax is something most people generally support..
The post BC environment minister defends gas price hike, points to other savings appeared first on NEWS 1130.