Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s bid to trigger a non-confidence motion in the government over the impending carbon price increase slated for April 1 has fallen short.
After his initial effort earlier this week to block the annual carbon price hike was defeated, Poilievre pressed forward with the non-confidence motion.
However, the House of Commons rejected Poilievre’s “spike the hike” motion on Wednesday, with Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault emphasizing, “We can’t afford to pause action on climate change.”
Poilievre’s motion aimed to halt the annual increase in the carbon price, which is scheduled to elevate to $80 per tonne from the current $64 per tonne on April 1. Further escalations are planned annually until 2030, with the pollution levy anticipated to reach $170 per tonne.
A non-confidence vote presents Members of Parliament with the choice to reaffirm their support for the current cabinet or pursue its removal.
The NDP holds an agreement with the Liberals to back them on confidence matters in exchange for advancing legislative priorities like pharmacare.
This week marks the final sitting week for MPs before April 1, and the Conservatives had indicated intentions to utilize various legislative mechanisms to block the carbon price hike.
On Monday, Poilievre sought an emergency debate in the House of Commons, a request ultimately denied by Speaker Greg Fergus for failing to meet the necessary requirements under the House’s standing orders.
Despite appeals from the Liberal premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and mounting concerns from Ontario Liberals regarding the policy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault asserted on Tuesday that the government would proceed with the increase, underlining the urgency of climate action.
Guilbeault emphasized, “The costs of climate change are rising. We cannot afford to delay action. If Canada fails to fulfill its responsibilities in combating climate change, how can we engage with other nations like China or India to seek collective solutions? Collaboration is essential in addressing this global challenge.”