EDMONTON, AB: Any claims the NDP government have made that there is broad consensus and approval of their massive new carbon tax and new regulations continue to be disproven by companies and individuals across the energy sector, the Wildrose Official Opposition said.
A new report from the Financial Post details how several industry leaders were left out of negotiations, were not consulted and are said to be “outraged” by the deal. The Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors has already come out against the carbon tax saying, unless offset by lower royalties, it has, “effectively reduced Alberta’s competitiveness and future employment through additional costs.”
“The so-called ‘consensus’ behind the NDP’s carbon tax is beginning to crack. It’s clear the NDP only consulted with a select few industry leaders and that this plan will have harmful effects on the Alberta economy,” Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said. “Alberta shouldn’t be about picking winners and losers, it should be about what’s best for the whole economy. This carbon tax will raise the costs of everything for every Albertan, and is not just a tax grab but a risky gamble with Alberta’s economy.”
When fully implemented, the carbon tax will raise the costs for the average Alberta household by almost $1,000, with only $250 million out of the $3 billion being returned to Alberta households in any rebate program or scheme – leaving large segments of Alberta’s middle class and smaller businesses picking up the tab.
Wildrose Shadow Energy Minister Leela Aheer said the NDP government put together a hastily drawn up plan with their ideological carbon strategy that will hurt Albertans’ bottom line and hurt the economy.
“There is a massive question mark surrounding this entire plan, and it is all putting jobs at risk,” Aheer said. “It’s clear industry is divided, and the NDP experiments with our economy are risking the long-term prosperity of our province.”