(August 11, 2023, St. John’s) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, says the Liberals’ decision to ignore Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and press ahead with the carbon tax expansion and the clean fuel regulations is already driving up the costs of living and running a business here, and it’s only going to get worse.

“As these two carbon tax increases are starting to ripple through our economy, I’m already hearing from families having trouble making ends meet and small business operators seriously worried about their bottom line as fuel costs rise, fearing this will mean layoffs,” said Brazil.

On July 1, the Liberals took two actions, knowing they would have a significant negative impact on our province. First, they raised the carbon tax on gasoline, and removed the tax exemptions for home heating fuel, municipal operations, and intra-provincial aviation. Second, they introduced new clean fuel regulations on fuel producers, even after a federal study revealed the regulations would impact Newfoundland and Labrador harder than any other province.

Ottawa’s Parliamentary Budget Officer found the regulations will drive up gas prices by an extra 17 cents a liter on top of the carbon tax increase, leave our families worse off than those elsewhere in the country, and drive down this province’s GDP by a factor unmatched by any other province.

“The Liberals obviously do not care about the impact of their policies on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians’ cost of living, our small businesses or our economy. A government that hurts people and refuses to listen to an entire province has lost its moral compass and doesn’t deserve our respect or support.” said Brazil.

“The sad thing is that these carbon tax changes are not even dealing effectively with climate change. Most people here can’t switch to electric vehicles or public transit. The upfront cost for many seniors and families is simply too great to make the switch from oil to electric.

“Instead of helping people manage the increasing cost of living, the Liberals are only fanning the flames and making it harder and harder for average people and businesses alike to keep themselves afloat.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca