No joke: Carbon tax increases as MPs get a raise says Taxpayers federation

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – It may be April Fool’s Day but the Canadian Taxpayers Federation said this is no laughing matter.

As of April 1, the federal carbon tax will jump to $40 a tonne, meaning gas prices could likely rise. The tax is expected to increase to $50 a tonne next year

However, it’s not just the carbon levy that’s angering the taxpayers federation but the fact that the prime minister and members of parliament are also receiving a raise on the same day.

“Today the joke is on taxpayers and it isn’t funny as our MPs pocket a pay raise while taking more money out of our wallets through a higher carbon tax and booze taxes,” said Alberta Director Franco Terrazzano.

WATCH: What is the impact of the federal carbon tax on gas prices?

The CTF said MPs are eligible for raises each year on April 1. Last year a backbench MP received an extra $3,700 and this year the CTF estimates each backbench MP will receive an extra 1.7 per cent, based on contract data published by the government of Canada.

“With millions of Canadians struggling through the COVID-19 downturn, the least our MPs could do is cancel this cruel April Fools’ Day joke and end the tax and politician pay hikes,” said Terrazzano.

Aside from the carbon, the alcohol escalator tax is also expected to rise Thursday.

The federal carbon tax was recently affirmed as constitutional by the Supreme Court of Canada after a long legal battle with Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario who argued the feds don’t have jurisdiction to impose the tax.

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defends the tax, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole has vowed to scrap it if his party forms government.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today