Premier Scott Moe reiterated to reporters on today (Thurs)  after announcing it on social media on Wednesday, that as of April 1st, Saskatchewan will be the first province to be carbon tax free. Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously announced getting rid of the tax on April 1st for all but industrial emitters.

Moe says the provincial government will pause the industrial tax rate under its Output-Based Performance Standards Program, to provide financial relief to families, farms, businesses and industry. The carbon tax will be removed from all SaskPower bills. He hopes that federal leaders will support this position and allow provinces to regulate carbon emissions without imposing a federal backstop.

Moe says in the face of tariff threats and the rising cost of living, the decision was made to protect Saskatchewan businesses and residents from economic uncertainty and unnecessary taxation. Environment Minister Travis Keisig says, “Now more than ever, the world needs our clean and sustainable food, fuel and fertilizer. This is not the time to risk undermining our economic growth and prosperity. Pausing the industrial carbon tax will allow industries to grow and operate sustainably while maintaining our economic competitiveness during these uncertain times.”

In response, NDP Leader Carla Beck says what she calls the ‘Sask Party’s carbon tax’ has been nothing more than a slush fund for their political pet projects and the NDP is fine with its removal. She suggests the Sask Party has no plans to address the trade war and the provincial budget, scheduled to be voted on today in the Legislature, doesn’t have any dedicated contingency plan to address the threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.