Liberals won't keep promise to immediately repeal carbon adjustor
Government sends bill to committee for public hearings, delaying its adoption until sometime in 2025
In the first major reversal of a Liberal election promise, the Holt government will not be repealing the so-called "Higgs carbon adjustor" — one of its signature affordability commitments — by the end of this year.
The Liberals promised during the recent provincial election campaign to "immediately remove" the adjustor, and introduced legislation to do so the day after their speech from the throne in November.
The adjustor is a mechanism that a 2022 Progressive Conservative bill added to the Energy and Utilities Board's formula for setting the maximum gas price each week.
It requires the EUB to calculate the cost of federal clean fuel regulations to gas producers and pass them on to customers at the pumps.
The Liberals attacked that move as another burden on inflation-weary consumers and labelled it the "Higgs carbon adjustor," vowing in their campaign platform to "immediately" repeal it.
The Liberal bill would take the mechanism out of the EUB price-setting system. They originally said it would be passed by the end of this week, which would make the four-cent charge disappear before the new year.
But late on Tuesday afternoon, the Liberals moved to put off second reading of the legislation and instead send it to the legislature's law amendments committee — a process that allows for public hearings with witnesses, but one that also slows passage of a bill.
Liberal house leader Marco LeBlanc said the government had heard from small gas retailers who worried the cost of the federal regulations would hit their bottom line if it could no longer be passed onto customers.
Liberal
House Leader Marco LeBlanc said the change came after government
engaged with small gas retailers who were worried about removing the
carbon adjustor. (Sam Farley/CBC)
"Over the past few weeks, this government has taken the time to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that every voice — especially those from our small and rural retailers — is heard," he said.
"We met with these entrepreneurs, we listened, and gained valuable insight into the real challenges they face on the ground."
LeBlanc also thanked the opposition Progressive Conservatives for a "constructive dialogue" that allowed the government to "refine our approach to ensure the legislation is as complete and effective as possible."
Rather than needle the Liberals for breaking their promise on an immediate repeal, PC MLA Kris Austin applauded the move — and took some credit.
"That's how this is supposed to work. That's what happens when you have an effective opposition. I'm proud of our work," he said.
"We showed government that this was the wrong bill to bring forward without proper scrutiny."
PC MLA Kris Austin said the fact that the Holt government changed their mind shows that his party's opposition is effective. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Green Party Leader David Coon wondered aloud whether the Liberals were sending the bill to the committee — which he called the "law amendments graveyard" — as a way of ensuring it's never adopted.
Premier Susan Holt acknowledged last month that it was "absolutely" a concern that repealing the adjustor could lead to small gas stations being hit with the cost of the federal regulations.
"That's why there's work to be done with the EUB and with others, to see how they're going to react to this and what choices they'll make," she said at the time.
Holt also said the government would consider ending the regulation of gas prices altogether, which would free producers and retailers to resume passing the cost on to consumers.
The Liberals haven't introduced legislation to do that.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Amos
"Green Party Leader wondered aloud whether the Liberals were sending the bill to the committee — which he called the "law amendments graveyard" — as a way of ensuring it's never adopted."
It appears the long Honeymoon is finally over
Reply to David Amos
Such a shame.
David Amos
We can't say that they did not warn us
'No true benefit' to regulating gas prices, Liberal minister says
John Herron says nixing price-setting rules would bring 4.6¢-per-litre carbon cost 'closer to the zero number'
Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Nov 28, 2024 6:00 AM AST
Reply to David Amos
Good point for sure.
David Amos
Too Too Funny
"LeBlanc also thanked the opposition Progressive Conservatives for a "constructive dialogue" that allowed the government to "refine our approach to ensure the legislation is as complete and effective as possible."
Rather than needle the Liberals for breaking their promise on an immediate repeal, PC MLA Kris Austin applauded the move — and took some credit.
"That's how this is supposed to work. That's what happens when you have an effective opposition. I'm proud of our work," he said.
"We showed government that this was the wrong bill to bring forward without proper scrutiny."
Reply to David Amos
NOT "funny"......
A respectful exchange between Liberal and PC.
We don't always have to be at each others' throats !!
"Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie said the Liberals should have thought about those points before they made the promise during the election.
"This is not an example of government listening," he said during question period. "This is an example of a government making a promise without knowing or understanding the ramifications of it, and then saying 'Oops, now we have to change course.'
"Stand up in the house, say 'We were wrong as government, we shouldn't have promised you affordability that we couldn't deliver on and now we're going to have to switch lanes.'"
Reply to David Amos
Promises are cheap when you're in opposition.
David Amos
Reply to Gregory Wulf
True However the awful truth about them all is free
Dianne MacPherson
Reply to Gregory Wulf
And on the Campaign Trail.
Not keeping this promise, eh? Called it!
MR Cain
Reply to Ian McIntyre
Delayed, read the article.
David Amos
Reply to MR Cain
A promise made is a debt unpaid, and the trail has its own stern code
Samual Johnston
Reply to MR Cain
Yes read…promise was to immediately cancel it. Now there is obviously a chance it might not be canceled. If there was not a chance of this then why waste time and money discussing it further. Things she should have done before making the promise.
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Well put.
Reply to MR Cain
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
"Meanwhile the governor is back to calling himself a feminist, and blaming Trump's win on anti-femini..."
Dave Kovic
Reply to Don Corey
Are you also opposed to poking an angry bear with a stick?
Don Corey
Reply to Dave Kovic
I was suggesting that it was not a wise thing to do.
Don Corey
Reply to Don Corey
But the censors didn't like it.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Dave Kovic
I poke at angry bears all day long but Don was merely pointing out the obvious
Trudeau says Kamala Harris's election loss was a setback for women's progress
'We were supposed to be on a steady, if difficult, march towards progress,' prime minister says
John Paul Tasker · CBC News · Posted: Dec 11, 2024 12:56 PM AST
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
CBC wrote this
"Elon Musk, a close associate of Trump who has been tapped by him to co-lead a "department of government efficiency" that will cut spending, commented on a social media post mocking Trudeau's lament for Harris.
"He's such an insufferable tool. Won't be in power for much longer," the Tesla CEO said.
able tool. Won't be in power for much longer," the Tesla CEO said.
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Too funny
Reply to David Amos
The comment was true but unappreciated here.
When are the daily Ford/Smith stories opening up? Weird usually before noon.
David Amos
Reply to Ted DiBlase
I hear them on my radio
Bill Mavin
Reply to Ted DiBlase
They were waiting for you to sign in.
Bob Enrob
I'd argue this isnt news, keeping a promise is.
Ted DiBlase
Reply to Bob Enrob
Good point Bob.
David Amos
Reply to Ted DiBlase
Ditto
MR Cain
Content Deactivated
The promise is delayed; take a pill.
David Amos
Reply to MR Cain
A promise made is a debt unpaid, and the trail has its own stern code
Jimmy Vee
What politicians say during an election should not be accepted as a promise rather a wish if all the stars align.
David Amos
Reply to Jimmy Vee
IMHO Its all Pure D BS
Ted DiBlase
Who does she think she is Joe Biden?
Bob Enrob
Reply to Ted DiBlase
You don't need to go as far as Washington, we have our own version in Ottawa...
Don Corey
Reply to Bob Enrob
Yeah, the governor.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
Trump is too thick to know that the Governor General speaks for our De Facto Head of State King Chucky
Reply to Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Eileen Kinley
Reply to Bob Enrob
We have our own versions in all of the provinces and previous federal governments.
Bob Enrob
Content Deactivated
Sure, but those version are minor league compared to the current federal government.
Eileen Kinley
Reply to Bob Enrob
Actually they aren't.
Bob Enrob
Content Deactivated
Your right minor league means your competent.. public school gym class would be the better comparison. This government makes one miss Harper, Martin, Chretien, Campbell, Mulroney, Turner, Clark, Sr and so on.
Reply to Bob Enrob
Per polimeter for Higgs
Not yet rated (0%)
In progress (0%)
Kept (40%)
Partially kept (19%)
Broken (41%)
Per polimeter for Trudeau
Not yet rated (3%)
In progress (8%)
Kept (43%)
Partially kept (26%)
Broken (20%)
David Amos
Reply to Eileen Kinley
This is the poll that mattered
Quispamsis October 21, 2024
Name Party Standing # Votes
Kennedy, Aaron L Won 3861
Higgs, Blaine PC Lost 3668
Conradi, Andrew NBGP Lost 378
White, Alex NPDNB Lost 360
Amos, David Raymond IND Lost 42
Bobby Richards
It is doubtful that the PCs will win the next election but I can see them winning in 8 years. The party itself is fractured down the middle and in too much turmoil right from the candidates to the riding associations. PCNB is also $500K in debt. I am a party member and I'm active so one hears the real story that is not spoken from the podium and would never likely get broken to the media.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Bobby Richards
Of course you do, the Liberals will be a 1 term gov't............. again unless the PCs screw up their next leader choice. Holt is already making it an easy choice.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Ronald Miller
I agree they could pull it off but only if they have a leader that convinces the people they are different than the Higgs govt. I hope the PCs can pull it off and time will tell.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Bobby Richards
I am hoping Daniel Allain puts his hat in the ring.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Ronald Miller
He definitely will. Maybe Anderson Mason will too.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Ronald Miller
My shadow has returned, no school today?
Allan Marven
Reply to Ronald Miller
Anderson Mason is too gentle.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Allan Marven
I don't agree there. She was the first one to stand up to Higgs and that was before the 2020 election.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Ronald Miller
Even if PCs get a fabulous leader they are broke and it takes a boatload of money to win an election. Plus every riding association in the province has lost volunteers as shown in the 2024 election. Higgs was literally travelling on the campaign bus in October with 1 or 2 other people. Higgs sold the PC headquarters building on Regent St in 2018 to free up cash and now that is long gone. In the past they used that building to mortgage funds for running elections. Now that's not even an option.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/progressive-conversative-headquarters-sale-fundraising-1.4484153
Ronald Miller
Content Deactivated
Reply to Ronald Miller
Ed Armstrong
Reply to Bobby Richards
That it why it is crucial that the Party heal first then search for the right leader, not the reverse.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Ronald Miller
Let me know if you want my autograph.
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
I do
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Have you made amends yet?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nicolle-carlin-seeks-pc-nomination-fredericton-1.7226009
Liberals take heat from PC opposition for carbon adjustor promise
Government shouldn’t have made commitment without thinking through consequences, PC leader says
The Holt government faced criticism Wednesday from opposition politicians for making a campaign election promise that is now proving too complicated to keep.
The Liberal government tried to argue that the decision to put off repealing the "cost of carbon adjustor" — which adds four cents per litre to the price of gas — showed they were willing to heed the views of New Brunswickers.
"We are listening and trying to find a path forward that respects the urgency that New Brunswickers want to see on affordability and also respects the opposition and the points that are being brought forward," Premier Susan Holt said during question period.
"We're trying to find the balance here."
Progressive
Conservative Leader Glen Savoie says the breaking of the carbon
adjustor promise is an example of 'making a promise without knowing or
understanding the ramifications of it." (Ed Hunter/CBC)
But Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie said the Liberals should have thought about those points before they made the promise during the election.
"This is not an example of government listening," he said during question period. "This is an example of a government making a promise without knowing or understanding the ramifications of it, and then saying 'Oops, now we have to change course.'
"Stand up in the house, say 'We were wrong as government, we shouldn't have promised you affordability that we couldn't deliver on and now we're going to have to switch lanes.'"
The
carbon adjustor was adopted by the previous PC government of Blaine
Higgs in 2022 to allow gas producers to pass on the cost of federal
clean fuel regulations to consumers buying gas. (Radio-Canada)
The carbon adjustor was adopted by the previous PC government of Blaine Higgs in 2022 to allow gas producers to pass on the cost of federal clean fuel regulations to consumers buying gas.
Eliminating it was one of Holt's signature promises during the election to make life more affordable for New Brunswickers.
But when the Liberals introduced the bill last month, Savoie warned that eliminating the adjustor could leave small independent gas station owners absorbing the carbon cost — and perhaps force some of them out of business.
Energy Minister René Legacy said in the legislature Wednesday that "we haven't had a debate over those small retailers" until recently because the previous PC government was focused on complaining about the federal carbon tax.
WATCH | 'They didn't know what they were doing': Liberals, PCs debate promise:
In fact, his PC predecessor Mike Holland argued repeatedly from the moment he introduced the adjustor legislation in November 2022 that it was designed to protect "mom and pop shops, small convenience stores with a gas pump out front" from shutting down.
Legacy told reporters he had heard Holland make that argument, but it wasn't "intensified" the way it was by industry groups who have made the same case to the Liberals in the last few weeks.
Energy Minister René Legacy says the government realized the repeal could 'create chaos' for gas retailers. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Now, he said, the government realized that the repeal could "create chaos" for gas retailers.
The Liberals voted late Tuesday to interrupt debate on the bill and refer it to the legislature's law amendments committee for public hearings next year, despite their campaign promise to repeal the adjustor "immediately."
The original plan was to pass the bill by this Friday so the four cents per litre could be removed before the end of 2024.
Carol
Montreuil, vice-president of the Canadian Fuels Association, says he
was pleased that both the Liberals and PCs were showing 'a lot of wisdom
and prudence' in sending the adjustor repeal bill to the committee for
more discussion. (Jacques Poitras/Zoom)
Legacy explained the backtracking by arguing that the Liberals are a government "that moves very fast, and coming with that is an ability to shift, and listen, and adjust."
Carol Montreuil, vice-president of the Canadian Fuels Association, said Wednesday he was pleased that both the Liberals and PCs were showing "a lot of wisdom and prudence" in sending the adjustor repeal bill to the committee for more discussion.
"These [federal clean fuel] costs are real and like in other Canadian provinces, should be included in prices at the pump," he said.
Green leader David Coon said the Energy and Utilities Board has other mechanisms to pass the cost onto consumers, but using them would involve producers like Irving Oil having to make a public case for them and provide data to back it up.
The Liberals announced Wednesday that another promised affordability measure will be in effect next month, earlier than they'd committed to during the election.
A rebate automatically removing the 10 per cent provincial sales tax from home electricity bills will take effect Jan. 1, Legacy said in the legislature.
Green
Leader David Coon said the Energy and Utilities Board has other
mechanisms to pass the cost onto consumers, but using them would involve
producers like Irving Oil having to make a public case for them and
provide data to back it up. (Allyson McCormack / CBC)
But that didn't distract the PCs from underscoring the Liberal reversal on the carbon adjustor.
"They said they would do this immediately and they haven't," Savoie told reporters.
"I'm not disagreeing with the government abandoning their promise. I'm just giving them a hard time because they made the promise to begin with, when they didn't know what they were doing."
Legacy said the law amendments committee's review of the bill would also look at an idea floated by Holt to repeal gas price regulation altogether.
That would leave gas producers free to pass on the cost of the federal clean fuel regulations to consumers without it being visible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Amos
The plot thickens
valmond landry
Reply to David Amos
yup!
Allan Marven
Reply to David Amos
Plot being the key word.
So what's new here? Politicians are liars = fact.
Honesty and ethics are rare.
Sad situation, but certainly not something new.
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
At least a pack of greedy lawyers are crying that their gravy train has reached the end of the line
"A legal battle between the New Brunswick government and a Moncton-area school district over a gender identity policy has ended.
The province and the Anglophone East district education council had three related cases working through the courts, stemming from changes the Higgs government made to Policy 713 last year."
Allan Marven
Reply to Don Corey
And I got canned for saying governor.
David Amos
Reply to Allan Marven
Tut Tut Tut
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