LETTER

Majority vote for carbon pricing 

Canada elected a minority government that is pro-carbon pricing. Prime Minister Trudeau won a close election against a Conservative challenger who had promised to dismantle the nation’s policies on climate change, including the core carbon pricing policy.

Of the popular vote, 65.6% of Canadians voted for parties that support carbon pricing. Of 338 seats in the House of Commons, 67% of them (227 seats) were secured by pro-carbon pricing politicians. The seat breakdown: Liberals 157, Bloc Québécois 32; New Democrats 24; Greens 3; Independent 1 and Conservatives 121.

The climate crisis was a top issue in the Canadian election for the first time. However, it may be remembered as the dirtiest election in memory. The election included robocalls in Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia sending voters to wrong locations, fake news stories and  misleading advertisements about Canada’s carbon pricing policy.

The election results are a resounding endorsement of carbon pricing in Canada.  In Canada, minority governments rarely last more than two years. As well, Canada’s climate goals are inadequate and we are a country divided. 

Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada, along with many civil society groups, are signatories to the following ask of our Parliamentarians co-ordinated by Climate Action Network Canada:

“The next four years are crucial in responding to the climate emergency. This crisis requires transcending partisan lines .... We are counting on you. Unite and take decisive action:

1. Listen to the scientists. Set climate targets aligned with the best available science and limit warming to 1.5C

2. Create mechanisms to keep government accountable and on track

3. Ensure a just transition for workers and communities

4. Stop letting big oil define policy: no more subsidies, no further expansion

5. Fully implement the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People and respect free, prior, and informed consent.”

Natty Urquizo

Gatineau