A quick look at some of the reaction to the Supreme Court carbon price decision

OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada ruled Thursday the federal carbon price is entirely constitutional. Here’s a quick look at some of the reaction to the decision:

“The Supreme Court recognized that policies related to emission reduction touch on federal and provincial jurisdiction. Conservatives prefer a collaborative approach to tackling climate change to make progress while also helping maintain a strong economy.

— Erin O’Toole, Conservative leader.

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“We welcome the Supreme Court’s ruling, but Canadians are still worried about the climate crisis and the lack of meaningful action from the Liberal government. They’re being asked to do their part, and they want to know it is making a real difference.”

— Laurel Collins, NDP critic for Environment and Climate Change.

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“Small firms simply cannot afford a further increase in their overall tax burden, especially as many remain in full lockdown or subject to significant COVID-19 related restrictions.”

— Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

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“The fact remains that this tax represents higher costs for millions of Canadian families and businesses, causing significant economic pain in exchange for no environmental gain.”

— Aaron Wudrick, federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

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“We are pleased with the court’s ruling affirming the role of the federal government in protecting the health of Canadians … All levels of government need to act in a co-ordinated fashion to prevent negative health outcomes from carbon pollution.”

— Ian Culbert, executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association.

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“This decision makes it clear: the buck stops with the federal government. The Canadian government must work co-operatively to encourage provincial action, but it can also step in when provinces fail and take the steps required to protect Canadians from climate change.” 

— Andrew Gage, staff lawyer with West Coast Environmental Law.

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“Carbon pricing represents a market-based approach to reducing emissions. But carbon pricing alone is not the answer. To prepare for the future, businesses require a stable and predictable regulatory regime that allows them to attract the capital they need to invest in innovative technology and climate solutions.”

— Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada.

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“This was a battle that was for the right reasons. We don’t agree with the ruling, but I’ve played enough hockey to know that we’re not going to do a lot of fruitful arguing with the referees after the game is over.”

— Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.

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“While we are disappointed with this decision, we have to respect that it’s a majority decision of the Supreme Court of Canada. The best we can hope for is that the Supreme Court has invented a one-time-only carbon pricing exception to the Constitutional order.”

— Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.

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“We’re definitely going to take a review of what the Supreme Court decision means for Ontario on our environment policy and move on from there.”

— Ontario Environment Minister Jeff Yurek.

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“The undisputed existence of a threat to the future of humanity cannot be ignored.”

— Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Richard Wagner.

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“Canadians rightly expect their governments to build an economy that fights climate change using the most effective tools at our disposal and now we can get on with the job.”

— Federal Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2021.

The Canadian Press