Kinew deflects carbon tax stance criticism

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This article was published 16/11/2023 (716 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Premier Wab Kinew has dismissed criticism of his commitment to getting Manitobans a carbon tax break as nothing more than political games.

Kinew came under fire from the Progressive Conservatives after his name was not included on a letter sent by five premiers to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week, calling for the tax to be removed on home heating fuels.

The PCs accused Kinew of flip-flopping on the subject, after the new premier confirmed the NDP government would ask for an exemption at a Nov. 6 meeting of Canada’s premiers in Halifax.

“I recognize that the Opposition in Manitoba might want to make hay out of this political issue, but let’s recognize the fact that it’s just games with them,” Kinew said following an unrelated announcement Thursday.

When asked why he did not add his name to the Nov. 10 letter, which was signed by Prairie conservative counterparts Premier Scott Moe (Saskatchewan) and Premier Danielle Smith (Alberta), Kinew said he is focused on landing a first ministers meeting with Trudeau.

The letter also called for such a meeting to discuss the federal carbon tax.

“Flood mitigation infrastructure, trade corridors, building up more hydro infrastructure — these are all important needs and I want to keep the focus on getting a first ministers meeting with the prime minister to discuss infrastructure,” Kinew said.

The Manitoba premier wouldn’t say if he objected to the letter’s contents.

“The more options you put before the astute politician, I assume the astute politician will recognize an out. And so, my intention is to keep the focus on a first ministers meeting regarding infrastructure so that we can move the ball forward on that file.”

The Fort Rouge MLA also accused the PCs of dragging their feet to help Manitobans save money when the former government decided not to pause the 14 cent per litre provincial gas tax.

Kinew said he’ll deliver the promised temporary tax cut in the new year, which should offer some financial relief to Manitobans rebounding from the holiday season.

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“The objection that people have to the carbon tax is that it increased energy costs and that consequently there’s spin-off impacts that affect you at the grocery store,” he said. “When we cut the provincial fuel tax on Jan. 1, we’re going to save you money, and we’re going to save you money on all those spin-off areas, like at the grocery store, as well.”

PC finance critic Obby Khan said the NDP government is being insincere in its calls for an exemption on home heating fuels.

“Manitobans know the NDP still support the Trudeau carbon tax, which drives up heating bills and is making life more expensive. It’s time for the NDP to stop flip-flopping and start behaving like a government,” Khan said in a statement.

“We still have yet to hear any details about the temporary gas tax holiday. They need to get to work for Manitobans and start making life more affordable.”

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca