'Different set of rules than apply to the rest of us': Smith wants federal carbon tax plan answers
The federal carbon tax will increase $15 per tonne to $65 starting April 1, 2023.
It's expected to add about 14.3 cents per litre for Albertans at the pumps, while in Quebec the expected increase is only nine cents per litre.
Ottawa previously announced the tax will increase $15 every year until 2030, when it tops out at $170.
"When the carbon tax is fully implemented Albertans are going to be paying 37 cents a litre in federal carbon tax and Quebec is only going to be paying 23 cents a litre," said Premier Danielle Smith on Tuesday.
"It's absurd to me that SUV drivers in Quebec are going to have cheaper gasoline and diesel prices than Alberta where we produce the product and refine it."
Smith says her new 'Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act' will dive deep into why she feels Alberta is being ripped off by the Trudeau government.
"I don't think it's legitimate for them to have one set of rules that applies to Quebec, and a different set of rules that applies to the rest of us," she said.
Smith tweeted reference to a recent Canadian Taxpayers Federation report, showing Albertans will pay 55 per cent more than Quebec residents at the pumps next year, given the carbon tax increase.
Andrew Leach, a University of Alberta professor of economics, lauds Smith for questioning the disparity.
"The premier is right to highlight this and I think it does present more of a problem for the Prime Minister if it continues," said Leach.
"This isn't just an Alberta versus Quebec issue. This is Ontario versus Quebec, this is B.C. versus Quebec."
Quebec, in contrast to Alberta, has a cap and trade system where the price of emissions in the province fluctuates.
Last week, Alberta was 40 per cent higher when it came to carbon tax compared to Quebec.
Leach adds that if pricing in Quebec stays low, Ottawa will have to make changes.
"From this coming year onwards that benchmarking process has changed," said Leach. "So if Quebec's price remains low, then it will fall to the federal government to step in to call on Quebec in some way."
According to GasBuddy, the average price per litre of regular unleaded fuel in Montreal as of Wednesday was 159.9 cents.
In the Calgary area, the cheapest price of gas was 113.9 cents per litre at the Costco on the Tsuut'ina Nation. Within Calgary, the average price was between 121.9 and 123.9 cents per litre.
Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley says it's unclear how Smith plans to fight Ottawa on the carbon tax with her new bill.
"We've got a UCP government that's simply been shaking its fist at clouds," said Notley. "There are, without question, genuine issues that need attention between our province and the federal government to ensure that Alberta is treated fairly."
Leach says the premier does have an advantage over the prime minister but must be careful when wading into a political fight on the carbon tax.
"I think there's a lot of advantage to Alberta being in the situation where you can look to Quebec and say, you know, Alberta takes a lot of heat for its emissions for its oilsands industry, et cetera, but tell me again, 'Who's taking climate change more seriously?'," said Leach.
"Because if Alberta reduces their emissions or oilsands operation reduces their emissions, they're (Ottawa) getting a benefit that far exceeds if they put those same dollars and achieve the same outcome into an investment in Quebec."
Climate rebate cheques handed out quarterly by the federal government for Alberta in 2023, will increase to $386 for a family of four.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.