In the ongoing clash between Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, tensions are rising over Bill C-234, a private member’s bill introduced by Conservative MP Ben Lobb. The bill aims to eliminate the carbon tax on propane and natural gas used for specific farming equipment and in the heating and cooling of certain farm buildings.
Guilbeault has criticized Poilievre’s advocacy for the bill, asserting that the current carbon pricing on farm fuels applies to only a small percentage of them. He emphasized that 97% of fuels used on farms are already excluded from the carbon tax, as these applications lacked viable alternatives when the carbon pricing policy was implemented in Canada.
The bill, which passed the House in March 2023 with broad opposition party support, is currently awaiting approval in the Senate. However, it faces delays, with the final vote postponed until at least the Senate’s next sitting on November 21.
Amidst growing controversy, Poilievre suggested that Guilbeault might resign if the bill passes in the Senate. He accused the environment minister of actively trying to influence senators to block the bill, prompting the Conservatives to launch a campaign advocating for its passage.
Guilbeault, in response, clarified that his discussions with senators were more of a conversation than a lobbying effort. He accused Poilievre of being the one attempting to influence senators, emphasizing that the nominated senators by the government since 2015 are independent and not subject to external pressures.
The minister reiterated the Liberal stance against expanding exemptions to the carbon price, even amid pressure to extend the home heating oil carve-out to other forms of heating used more widely in different regions. Guilbeault highlighted that the current carbon price applies to only 3% of fuels used in farming, contingent on the availability of alternative technologies.
As the fate of Bill C-234 hangs in the balance, Guilbeault stated that the federal government will make its decision on how to respond if and when the bill passes. The controversy surrounding the bill adds to the scrutiny of the Liberal government’s climate plans, particularly in the context of recent changes to the carbon pricing plan by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.