Timmins Department of Finance addresses concerns regarding anti-carbon-charge message

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The Department of Finance has responded to the Progressive Conservative message that the carbon tax, which increased Apr. 1 by 3 cents a litre is having a negative effect on families in Timmins.

Eric Duncan, MP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry brought that message to Timmins on March 27, outside of Timmins PM Charlie Angus’ constituency office on Third Avenue, surrounded by supporters.

“This is not sustainable, and is only adding to food bank use, and skyrocketing numbers of Canadians that are struggling to make ends meet,” Duncan said.

Critics call it a carbon tax, economists call it a fuel charge, and the government calls it a price on pollution.

A spokesperson for Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland responded that the Canada carbon rebates, which increase every year as the price on pollution increases, means 8 out of 10 Canadians remain better off regardless of the price per tonne.

“We call on all parliamentarians to pass this legislation so people living in rural and remote parts of the country can receive additional financial support through the Canada Carbon Rebate. For a family of four in Timmins, this means $1,344 back in their pockets this year.”

The aim of the rebates is to incentivize people to reduce emissions.

Canada Carbon Rebates ensure the program remains revenue neutral for the federal government. For the 2023-24 Canada Carbon Rebates, a family of four in Timmins received $1,074.

However, right now, the Conservatives are filibustering the doubling of the rural top-up in Parliament. This is a top-up to the Canada Carbon Rebate designed specifically for people living in rural and remote areas, like Timmins, in recognition that they may not have access to alternatives like public transit.