Photo by Whitehorse Star
Premier Sandy Silver
Carbon pricing system to take effect Monday
The federal government’s carbon tax will come into effect in the Yukon as scheduled – on Canada Day (Monday).
The federal government’s carbon tax will come into effect in the Yukon as scheduled – on Canada Day (Monday).
Eric Clement is a spokesperson with the territory’s Department of Finance. This week, he provided information regarding how the carbon tax – whose implementation was delayed by several months – will affect Yukoners.
According to a chart provided by Clement, the starting rate will be $20 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emission.
The carbon tax will apply to gasoline, light fuels like oil and diesel, as well as propane.
This means gasoline will cost 4.42 cents extra per litre. For light fuels, it will 5.37 cents per litre and 3.10 cents per litre for propane.
All these rates are set to rise in April 2020, 2021 and 2022. It’s expected that the rate will be $50 per tonne by 2022.
This translates to 11.05 cents per litre for gasoline, 13.41 cents for light fuel oil and 7.74 cents for propane come 2022.
There are some exemptions. Commercial fishing and agriculture will not fall under the carbon tax.
The territory has negotiated multiple other exemptions. These include aviation fuel, diesel electricity generation in remote areas and partial relief for greenhouses.
Moving to rebates, all Yukon residents, businesses, placer and quartz mines, First Nations and municipal governments are eligible.
There will be two interim payments after July. The first one is expected to be issued sometime in October.
The second will be sometime in April 2020. After this, all eligible parties should be getting four rebates per year. They will be issued once every quarter.
According the chart, individual Yukoners will be paying $84 in levies but getting back $86.
The rebates are refundable credits with tax assessments. They cover the last fiscal year.
Rebates are expected to increase. Come the 2022-2023 fiscal year, they’re expected to be $268 with $187 in levies paid.
Premier Sandy Silver told the Star this morning his government negotiated with Ottawa over the terms of the carbon pricing system – which Ontario’s top court ruled today is constitutional.
Silver wanted to make sure the tax was rebated, as it would ensure that anyone struggling to make ends meet would not be burdened.
This was accomplished by rebating more than was levied, he pointed out.
“We kept our campaign commitment,” said Silver, referring to the 2016 territorial election period.
The coming tax has been the subject of lengthy debate in the legislature.
The Yukon Party has consistently termed it the territorial Liberals’ tax, and has criticized the government for not seeking exemptions for home heating fuel and the trucking industry.
Silver has repeatedly pointed out that then-Yukon Party premier Darrell Pasloski signed the initial documents confirming the territory’s participation in carbon pricing while attending a political leaders’ conference in Vancouver.
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Comments (41)
Up 1 Down 7
Will on Jul 5, 2019 at 8:27 am
Good for the liberal government in getting this through, it was not easy given all the push back and complaining from the righties.
Up 0 Down 5
BnR on Jul 5, 2019 at 8:09 am
You can criticize Trudeau as much as you like, and like any politician, he has made many gaffes, however, he literally campaigned on a Carbon tax.
He said he would do this. This is not a surprise.
And despite what all the experts in the comments section say, the real experts agree that Carbon taxes do have the desired effect. They are not popular, there is no question of that, but they do curb fossil fuel consumption.
I’m not expecting any rational debate in this or any other comment section, you just have to look through the comments to see it’s the usual group of cranks spouting off the usual litany of conspiracy theories and gibberish.
Anthropomorphic climate change is happening.
There is literally no credible evidence to the contrary despite what ‘esteemed’ scientific websites like Canadiantruths have to say.
We need to do something to meet our commitments. It’s hardly possible to ask other nations to curb their emissions when we do nothing ourselves.
Is a Carbon tax the most effective way? Well, it’s effective but hardly the most effective, but it also involves the least pain. And it is clear that a little pain now will be more palatable than a lot of pain later.
Flame away Wilf, Wade, Roy and Murray.
The opinions of cranky old men doesn’t mean anything to me.
Up 2 Down 3
Snowman on Jul 4, 2019 at 8:13 pm
So we get an upfront carbon tax with the Liberals or a sneaky carbon tax filtered down through industry with the Conservatives. Call me crazy but I would rather see it upfront at the gas station than get screwed behind my back under the "Conservative" proposal. Maybe I will actually support the PPC this time around. Even if it is just a protest vote to show I don't like my options.
Up 3 Down 1
Wilf Carter on Jul 4, 2019 at 5:13 pm
Yukon is by far carbon neutral if anyone would like to know. Even the premier of Alberta knows that trees removes carbon. But liberals can't see the forest for the trees.
Up 0 Down 5
One person, one vote on Jul 4, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Why is it that the neo cons will do anything including stuffing an obscure thumbs up and down ballot box, in a futile attempt to look popular. The vast majority of Canadians see neo cons for what they are, soul sucking, control freaks, that don't give a dam about the common person and 21st century challenges.
Up 31 Down 3
@one person, one vote on Jul 4, 2019 at 3:40 pm
Why is it always so hard for leftists like you to believe that people don't think the same way they do? You have obviously surrounded yourself in a bubble if you don't know how unpopular the carbon tax is.
Up 4 Down 41
David on Jul 4, 2019 at 12:00 pm
It's about time we have a carbon tax! (although I don't understand why the liberals called it a "carbon tax" - seems like really bad marketing on their part). It's definitely got some issues to iron out but at least it's a step in the right direction!
Up 27 Down 3
Just Sayin' on Jul 4, 2019 at 9:03 am
I would be in support of a carbon tax, if it actually went into incentives to create 'greener technology', but it is not. It is given back to the people who paid it and obviously it only creates resentment. I understand Yukoners will be getting a large portion of it back, however, why not just charge the two cents, the government wants to and reduce the rigmarole of calculating all the rebates. I suppose it will look good for the next election when the Government has created more jobs (jobs to manage this stupidity). I still have no idea why aviation fuel is exempt from paying this tax, especially when most planes, helicopters are very inefficient.?? Does anyone know why?
I honestly feel if the Government wanted to incite real change they would have taxed goods which have a copious amount of packaging, meat ( the production of meat effects the environment immensely and cows produce a copious amount of methane which is as terrible for the environment as CO. If they encouraged people to decrease their meat consumption and consume more plant based products, the demand for plants would increase, which in turn would increases the amount of oxygen in the environment and decrease the amount of carbon...... but hey, let's not look at that science stuff, it's hogwash.
I do think it is funny though, first you are taxed on the income you make, fair enough, then you spend money to put fuel in your car to get to work, there is a Yukon fuel tax in the price already, then there is the carbon tax and then you have to pay GST on top of it. From there, in order to get your rebate, you have to file your income tax and it will be included as income and then you're taxed on the additional $84.00. Taxing a tax on monies you have already been taxed on, to pay more taxes on is like some of the family trees in the Yukon.
Up 37 Down 4
Yukoner71 on Jul 4, 2019 at 6:29 am
Mark my words, after the Liberals lose this falls election they’ll blame the people for ‘not understanding’ what they were trying to do. They’ll also say they ‘didn’t get the message out sufficiently’ about the carbon tax. I think the Liberals worst problem now is those D—— voters who just don’t know what’s good for them!
Up 13 Down 2
Woodcutter on Jul 3, 2019 at 7:46 pm
Just purchased a tank of gas at the busiest gas station downtown. No change in price from the week before.
Up 34 Down 4
Wilf on Jul 3, 2019 at 6:27 pm
I went through the Yukon carbon tax rebate program with some economies who do this kind of work. In the Yukon the only ones that will get all their tax money back are miners in Dawson. We don't get the 5% GST back. We at most will get 42% back. Businesses are really getting nailed 2 to 4 times so the cost of goods in Yukon will increase by a lot. Sandy is teaching the new math.
Up 3 Down 36
One person, one vote on Jul 3, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Also it is a good thing Elections Canada only allows a person to vote once in the election. It appears this site lets the right wingers vote numersous times. What good is a thumbs up or down, if people are messing with the numbers?
Up 4 Down 40
Liberal is the only choice on Jul 3, 2019 at 5:31 pm
I will vote liberal because the NDP will not enjoy enough support to form a government.
I will vote liberal because the Neo Cons are scary, right wing fanatics that want to control your life and how you think. They are notorious for spending tax dollars on themselves and friends, that they are good money managers is a myth when it comes to tax dollars.
I will vote Green when enough voters realize we are totally messing up the world we live in and are destroying the environment for our grandchildren.
Up 28 Down 6
AL on Jul 3, 2019 at 12:52 pm
@Juniper
Sorry Juniper, I cannot think of a single reason why I would support these people.
Up 40 Down 5
Juniper Jackson on Jul 2, 2019 at 11:28 pm
I see the Liberals are calling this money grab (yes, it is, this tax is going into general revenue) Carbon Pricing now to get rid of the hated 'tax' word. The Liberals put quite a spin on word smithing.
I would kindly ask those supporting the Trudeau government (just for replies) why do you support a PM, the first in the history of Canada, to ring up 5 guilty charges of ethical misconduct?
Why do you support a person/government that has run the country into so much debt that our children's children will not be able to pay it down until 2054? Why do you support a person/government that has gotten itself involved in scandals like interfering with the rule of law?
Why oh why, would you support a government that uses its power legislate to pass legislation that permits TRI-billion dollar companies to evade criminal charges? " In its 2018 budget, it crafted a new legal mechanism—the Deferred Prosecution Agreement. The tool allows prosecutors to strike, in essence, a plea deal with corporations charged with corruption. The company would have to pay a fine, accept responsibility, and address issues of corporate governance, but such a deal would avoid a conviction and allow them to continue bidding on contracts into the future. " The company this is aimed at has declared..too bad for Canadians huh?
Why do you support a person/government that has decimated our trade and foreign relationships?
I would really appreciate comment. I have a lot of respect for the uniqueness of Yukoners.. we ARE a tad different. But, tend to be educated and very bright. Tell me why you support the sitting Federal government?
Up 38 Down 1
just numbers on Jul 2, 2019 at 9:28 pm
So $184.00 is what they assume the average Yukoners will pay in carbon tax in 2022, 2023. And with a rebate for most of $268, it’s a windfall. But with a tax of 13.4 cents per litre, or 61 cents per gallon, you’ll get a little more 300 gallons of heating fuel. That doesn’t count carbon tax that you pay in fuel for your vehicle, groceries, electricity, electronics, building supplies, and everything else we get by road and air. But hey, enjoy your $268, if your one of the lucky ones.
Up 15 Down 22
Penny on Jul 2, 2019 at 7:46 pm
Me? I will be voting for change and common sense. Maxime Bernier and the PPC are the ONLY party that has a real plan for Canada and Canadians. https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca/global_warming_and_environment_rejecting_alarmism_and_focusing_on_concrete_improvements
Up 43 Down 5
Guncache on Jul 2, 2019 at 7:40 pm
Hey liberals, start packing your bags and clean out your offices
Up 36 Down 3
uh on Jul 2, 2019 at 6:07 pm
22 forest fires just maxed out any effort any Yukoners can make towards climate change. Your carbon quota literally means zilch for the next 25 years because of this.
Up 7 Down 36
Mick on Jul 2, 2019 at 3:46 pm
Andy and his bots are really working those 'thumbs up' just like Harpers robocalls. 50-60 upvotes is unheard of on here.
Up 35 Down 0
timesall on Jul 2, 2019 at 2:18 pm
GST is added on after the carbon tax.
So 5% more on the amount of the tax
Up 54 Down 3
Mandeep Sidhu on Jul 2, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Sorry: What? " The credit is considered government assistance. As a result, businesses are required to report the amount of the credit as income on their next year's tax return." - - So you buy a litre of fuel at $1.00 (regular price). Then $.04 is added to the cost of the fuel. That is the carbon tax. NOW what happens is that .04 cents is refunded to you in the following year. HOWEVER, it is considered government assistance, which means you'll be taxed at 2 - 12% (depending). So the government takes home an additional 2 - 12% off of the carbon tax. However, it's not from the carbon tax. It's from your income from the rebate given to you.
Up 6 Down 74
Steven on Jul 2, 2019 at 7:49 am
@Liberal is the only choice
Canadians will get Scheer, because they are idiots and only know two colours, blue or red, and since they are currently upset with the red, they will vote blue. Yukon will likely get the new party of super-right conservatives (read populist, racist and isolationist) because that seems to be how North America is going these days. It makes me weep in shame and frustration.
Liberal is *not* the only choice, btw. It seems to me there's a third option that everyone always ignores just because one or two platform items don't jive with that voter's views (even tho they are willing to overlook glaring holes in their own preferred party.)
Let me give you a preview of everyone's platforms this fall:
- Conservatives: Vote for us, because we're not Trudeau!
- Liberals: Vote for us, because we're not Scheer!
- NDP: We have valid, logical points for you to consider!
Up 62 Down 7
Yukoner on Jul 1, 2019 at 8:24 pm
Personally, I’m thrilled the Liberals have implemented the carbon tax.
The sooner people realize what a disaster it is, the sooner we can vote out all these doorknobs!
Up 16 Down 26
Willard on Jul 1, 2019 at 5:06 pm
So Doug Martens when you get your carbon rebate cheque you won't be cashing it will you? Otherwise you're just another empty hypocrite grousing into the night.
Up 41 Down 7
Gringo on Jul 1, 2019 at 5:02 pm
What I know....Trudeau And Silver will be toast come October...they have to be for a myriad of reasons. I will vote for the devil I don’t know in this case I hope you do to.
Up 44 Down 5
Mr M on Jul 1, 2019 at 3:49 pm
Gas prices jump this morning at Superstore 1.425 a litre. That's for Reg. Thanks to the Carbon tax. Thanks Sandy and the Liberals.
Up 14 Down 58
Michael Storm on Jul 1, 2019 at 3:39 pm
Yukoners are the worst polluters in Canada but our saving grace is our small population.
People who live here generally do not care. Just look at all the big trucks and big homes. Giving rebates back seems like rewarding bad students.
We are part of a global problem and it may only hit home when wildfires do their thing and cause massive property damage.
Do not blame the Liberal or any government, have a look at your own greed and entitlement.
What a mess we have created.
Up 51 Down 5
Dave on Jul 1, 2019 at 3:14 pm
Bye bye Trudeau, bye bye Bagnell. October can’t get here fast enough.
Up 50 Down 24
Liberal is the only choice on Jun 30, 2019 at 11:22 am
Alright Mr. Bagfail since you seem to think you know the outcomes of upcoming elections and seem to know how people are going to vote. Who will be the next Canadian PM and who will be the next Yukon leader?
Up 84 Down 11
Doug Martens on Jun 30, 2019 at 2:22 am
Unsurprisingly the local liberal cabal succumbs to the temptation to ride the liberal party-boat off the electoral waterfall and down to its inevitable swirling, gurgling doom. Please, Sandy, no one in the Yukon is stupid enough to believe an exciting new "take it but give it back later" is going to benefit anyone other than the globalist central bankers and their wealth destructive oppressive, minions, I surely hope!?
Up 15 Down 82
Politico on Jun 29, 2019 at 10:09 pm
@ comen sense - Love the way the right wing blames everything on Trudeau. Phoenix was a system promoted by the conservatives to consolidate systems and save us money. Now you blame Trudeau because the screw up was so massive and the plan so bad no one can figure out how to correct.
@ barnie The beauty of science is that no matter what you believe it moves on. Climate change is real and will kill our civilization no matter what you believe. Sucks doesn't it.
Up 78 Down 11
Joe on Jun 29, 2019 at 8:15 pm
Good bye Sandy. You did fairly well but carbon tax is major fail.
Up 88 Down 1
Just a question on Jun 29, 2019 at 4:34 pm
If the tax is revenue neutral:
Tuesday there is a tax added to my fuel. Let's say $11.00.
Now lets say I don't have that $11.00
I have to wait for a year to get the rebate; so until I get that, where am I supposed to get that $11.00?
For a large company; they'll just get the money back instantly. It'll be charged to the consumer.
So they'll charge more for the initial product + the tax on top.
No one should have to float the government credit.
Up 84 Down 5
timesall on Jun 29, 2019 at 4:31 pm
You exempted the largest polluters (airlines). If this was about carbon there would be an effort to actually tax the largest polluters. Considering less than 50% of Yukoners fly out in a year; funny you're leaving them with the penalty.
Moreover the gov promotes one of the largest polluting industries; tourism!
Allowing more hotels, more tourism, more people arriving here, majority by the largest polluting vehicles. Then all of their single serving waste is left for Yukoners to deal with. This is one of the worst thought out Liberal ideas that I've ever read. It simply takes in money with no real effect on the "supposed" problem.
Easy to accept apply a tax when your entire existence is paid for by the backs of those that actually create value in the economy.
Price hike on Monday. Get ready for it.
Up 67 Down 13
Joe the Millennial on Jun 29, 2019 at 12:24 pm
The Goods and Services Tax is a Federal scam.
It will end when Mulroney is ousted in a few short months.
OOPS - wrong time portal
Up 90 Down 9
Al on Jun 29, 2019 at 7:44 am
...what is hidden are the indirect costs that we are facing. Those costs include increase transportation costs of goods - groceries and other products. All along the supply management chain additional costs are being added to products when each of these companies are faced with the ripple cost from the previous link in the chain on the carbon tax. What that transfers to is more costs to the end user.
Rather than taking a proactive approach this is the opposite - it is regressive. It is punitive in nature in an attempt to "force" change on people. The stated thinking by the Feds is "we want to change people's behavior. This tax will do that." Excuse me but who made the Feds the teacher in the class room? I will make decisions based upon the economic needs and ability of my own family. Providing positive incentives is more conducive to identifying and putting folks on a change path than regressive negative taxation. Don't take money away from us because you can, which is the easiest of solutions, but rather make change a positive investment. Ah but I forget who is in Ottawa.
Mr. Silver your offering of a "silver" lining is a rouse and you know it. The pittance in recovery will not, and does not, translate into anywhere near the recovery of losses. Nor does it represent rural costs. You sir have been had and in return your buddies in Ottawa are the beneficiaries of your ineptitude.
Up 96 Down 14
comen sense on Jun 29, 2019 at 3:33 am
They can't get the phoenix program right to pay employees and they want to manage our carbon tax money, in my mind, Trudeau is a complete disaster.
Up 103 Down 15
Larry Bagfail on Jun 28, 2019 at 6:28 pm
Remember that time Trudeau spent 200k on Xmas holidays? What about when he started a 500 million trade deficit with India? How many millions a day are spent on refugee hotel bills? At least he's switched to paper like drink-box water bottles sort of things now!
Ladies and gents I present your "carbon tax" at work.
See you in October Justin, and you're next Sandy.
Up 131 Down 28
Barnie on Jun 28, 2019 at 3:24 pm
Carbon tax is a federal scam. It will end when Trudeau is ousted in a few short months
Up 119 Down 23
joe zelezny on Jun 28, 2019 at 3:17 pm
This is a sick joke on Canadians & will hurt #yukon families & businesses & do nothing to protect the environment from actual pollution or change the sun or magnetic pole from shifting #PPC has real solutions that enable prosperity & innovation #PPC2019
https://yukonppc.com/issues/global-warming-and-environment-rejecting-alarmism-and-focusing-on-concrete-improvements/
You know it is a scam when those who use the most fuel are exempted.
Conservatives just called their carbon tax something else - cap & trade, corporate welfare, technology subsidies... enough of the lies. Time to cut taxes and stop harming families and businesses who already face ever increasing costs on everything.