Ottawa’s carbon-pricing law valid, Ontario’s top court rules
Posted June 28, 2019 10:16 am.
Last Updated June 28, 2019 11:37 am.
TORONTO – Ontario’s top court has ruled the federal government’s carbon charge is constitutionally sound.
In a split decision, the five-judge panel rejected a challenge from Premier Doug Ford’s government to the validity of the carbon-pricing law.
Ottawa maintains it had to act to deal with the urgent threat of climate change as an issue of national concern.
#BREAKING – The Ontario Court of appeals rejects the Ford government’s constitutional challenge regarding the federal carbon tax. The court rules that it’s constitutional. #onpoli
— Richard Southern (@RichardCityNews) June 28, 2019
The federal government said its approach _ imposing a levy on gasoline and fossil fuels _ respected provincial jurisdiction.
Ontario and three other provinces argued the Liberal government under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau overstepped its authority in imposing the charge.
READ MORE: Alberta anxiously watching Ontario carbon tax challenge
Last month in a split decision, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal sided with Ottawa in a similar challenge.
WATCH: Ontario government will challenge the federal carbon tax