Atlantic prime ministers launch fight against fuel regulation, seeking regional support

HALIFAX, NS — The four Atlantic Canadian prime ministers are opposing the federal government’s new clean fuel rules, asking residents to join the fight against disproportionate costs.

The new changes will lead to an increase in fuels for both vehicles and home heating, driving up costs in Atlantic Canada more than other western region counterparts

Independent regulators have predicted that the new regulations could push gas prices in the region by four to eight cents as early as July 7, on top of the expected increase on July 1 due to the increased carbon tax.

PEI Premier Dennis King noted that the increased cost of fuel would put more strain on an already constrained Atlantic transit industry, citing limited fuel resources, a lack of major transit systems and the need to bring in needed supplies.

“Residents [have] less financial flexibility to bear extra costs or make different choices,” says King. “We must take immediate action to delay the effects of these rising costs so that we have time to balance the transition to net-zero emissions while ensuring that the people of Atlantic Canada can put food on the table. keep putting.”

Nova Scotia Prime Minister Tim Houston expressed concern that the federal decision will raise the price of other goods.

“This will increase the cost of everything — fuel, food, clothing and more,” Houston said. “We agree that we need to tackle climate change, but adding more taxes at a time when inflation is high and affordability is a concern is just not the right way to do it.”

Prime Ministers also noted that while Justin Trudeau’s government announced partial rebates to offset the carbon tax increase, no such rebates are planned to subsidize fuel regulations.

To counter the expected price hikes, prime ministers are asking Atlantic Canadians to join the fight against the regulations by contacting their local MPs and expressing their concerns.

Letter summaries and more information about the “Fight the Federal Gas Hike” campaign can be found online at fightthefedhike.ca.