The Atlantic Council of Prime Ministers has written an open letter to federal Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeau, expressing concern about more increases in the federal government’s carbon tax. The letter, written by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston on behalf of all four Atlantic Premiers, expresses their deep concern “about the affordability impacts of carbon pricing on households in our region.” He goes on to describe that “nearly 40 per cent of Atlantic Canadians experience energy poverty”—the highest rate in the country. He says an increase in carbon pricing “will amplify the inflationary pressures” currently being felt in the region, and any debate on carbon pricing should focus on mitigating those effects. Premier Andrew Furey says Newfoundland and Labrador does not support additional increases in carbon pricing at this time. Fuey Statement “Our government does not support additional increases in carbon pricing at this time and we support an Atlantic Canada approach to this issue. The market has driven up fuel prices so much that the desired effect of the carbon price hikes has already taken place, putting significant pressure on Newfoundland and Labrador residents. We are doing our part to fight climate change in Newfoundland and Labrador through hydropower, green hydrogen development, managing greenhouse gas emissions legislation and performance standards in our offshore oil industry. “
