Statement from PC Finance Shadow Minister Obby Khan on Another NDP Carbon Tax Flip Flop
Obby Khan, PC Shadow Minister for Finance, released the following statement today in response to the NDP’s ongoing delay in providing carbon tax relief for Manitobans:
“What is Wab Kinew waiting for when it comes to delivering desperately-needed relief to Manitoba families and businesses from the federal carbon tax this winter?
“First, he contradicted his own finance minister in November when he told Winnipeg media that he wasn’t going to ask for an exemption for Manitobans. Then a week later in Halifax, he changed his tone and called for a carve-out while speaking to national media. But then he flip-flopped and changed his mind again when he couldn’t be bothered to join the premiers of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta to sign his name on a letter to the Prime Minister formally requesting an exemption and tax fairness for all Canadians. He’s now flip-flopped yet again after appearing on national TV last week to repeat his empty talking points, proving that he’s more interested in grabbing headlines than taking the action Manitobans deserve.
“PCs repeatedly fought for carbon tax fairness for nearly eight years in government, though it fell on the deaf ears of Justin Trudeau. As the Official Opposition, we have repeatedly urged, and continue to urge, the NDP to step up and take action. Three Supreme Court justices believe that the carbon tax is unconstitutional, and the majority has asserted that such a tax on home heating is not a matter of national concern. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has just removed the carbon tax from home heating bills to challenge the federal government’s overreach.
“Wab Kinew could do the same today if he was serious about long-term affordability in Manitoba. But as Manitobans face the difficult choice between keeping the heat on or putting food on the table this winter, he offers mere talk instead of meaningful results. His tactics fall short of expectations and are simply unacceptable. Wab Kinew needs to stop the confusing flip flops and just take the carbon tax off of Hydro today.”
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For media inquiries, please contact PCCaucus_Media@leg.gov.mb.ca