Gallant considering carbon tax, other options to fight climate change

FREDERICTON – A possible implementation of a tax on carbon is one of many options the premier of New Brunswick is considering when it comes to fighting climate change.

After this legislature session’s first question period, Brian Gallant said he’s looking to learn more about some options this weekend, when he attends the climate change summit in Paris.

READ MORE: Trudeau’s Liberals to be eyed closely following climate change promises

If a carbon tax was to come into effect, though, it wouldn’t be about making money, said Gallant.

“It’s very clear that the best way to do any type of price on carbon for a jurisdiction and have a good, positive impact on the economy, is making it revenue neutral,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's very clear that the best way to do any type of price on carbon for a jurisdiction and have a good, positive impact on the economy, is making it revenue neutral," he said.

Gallant reiterated that he’s looking at everything as he approaches talks in Paris. He and five others, including Green Party leader David Coon, leave for Paris this weekend.

When asked about his support of the Energy East Pipeline when considering a tax on carbon, Gallant said it’s a balance.

“Projects like the Energy East pipeline will only happen domestically and internationally if we’re able to show Canadians and people across the globe that we take fighting climate change seriously,” he said.

READ MORE: Nova Scotia ‘on the front lines of climate change’: activist

Opposition critic Brian Keirstead wasn’t as keen on considering the controversial tax.

“Carbon taxes, we’ve got to be very, very careful with them because they’re pure and simply another fuel tax on the public and the big question is, how much more can they afford to do?” he said.