NDP to back Tory motion calling for carbon price off all heat sources

Nov 2, 2023 | 2:01 PM

OTTAWA — The New Democrats say they will back the Conservatives on a motion to pull the carbon price off all home heating until after the next election.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre tabled the motion today, insisting the government’s decision last week to temporarily pause carbon pricing for home heating oil for three years is a divisive policy to save Liberal seats in Atlantic Canada.

The Liberals say the pause helps Canadians across the country, with a majority of home heating oil households being outside the Atlantic region.

Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says home heating oil is two to four times more expensive than natural gas, and the carbon price rebate often does not fully cover its cost, though that rebate is enough to cover costs for those who use natural gas.