Trudeau calls Ford government’s attempt to block carbon tax ‘irresponsible’

The Ontario government’s attempt to block the federal carbon tax is shortsighted and irresponsible, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told an environment conference in Montreal Thursday.

But Trudeau’s criticism of those who disagree with his government’s plan to address climate change didn’t stop at Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s administration.

Trudeau accused some federal opposition parties of denying climate change even exists and said other provinces joining Ontario in challenging the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act are wasting public money.

1:37 Sask. premier pleased to have new ally in UCP

• Sask. premier pleased to have new ally in UCP
• Alberta reverts to the right; Jason Kenney to be premier
• Ontario runs anti-carbon tax ads using taxpayer money
• Province’s haven’t ‘put Canada on track’ to meet climate targets: law
• Young people will bare ‘most severe’ impact from greenhouse gas emissions: lawyer
• Climate change a threat to survival for Athabasca Chipewyan: lawyer

Previous Video

Next Video

“Look no further than Ontario to find a provincial government that is wasting taxpayer’s money fighting climate action in court,” Trudeau told a room full of delegates at the Nature Champions Summit. “It’s shortsighted and irresponsible and frankly, Canadians deserve better.”

Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick are all either challenging the carbon tax or have signalled an intent to do so.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WATCH: McKenna slams Ford government for taking Ottawa to court over carbon tax

1:52 McKenna calls on all parties to show leadership on climate change

Lawyers for the province of Ontario argued in court last week that Trudeau’s plan to impose a levy on gasoline, other fossil fuels and industry is an overstep of federal authority. On Wednesday, Manitoba filed documents seeking a judicial review to quash the federal tax on similar grounds.

The Trudeau government’s tax only applies to Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan – four provinces Ottawa says don’t meet national standards on greenhouse gas emissions.

After Trudeau’s short speech he was met on stage by high-profile Quebec environmentalist Steven Guilbeault for an armchair discussion. Guilbeault, who is currently advising the federal government on ways to address climate change, steered clear of contentious issues in his questions.

Sitting opposite the prime minister on stage, Guilbeault said most Canadians don’t know how “entrenched” Trudeau’s desire to protect nature is.

1:26 Ontario government ‘sticks it to Liberals’ with mandatory gas pump carbon tax sticker

• Ontario government ‘sticks it to Liberals’ with mandatory gas pump carbon tax sticker
• Ontario faces off against federal government over carbon tax
• Ontario’s federal carbon tax challenge begins in court
• Ontario government challenges Federal carbon tax in court
• Hearing begins on Ontario challenge to federal carbon tax
• McKenna defends federal carbon tax as Ontario gov’t heads to court
• Alberta Election Fact Check: myths and misconceptions about the carbon tax

Previous Video

Next Video

“I was hoping you could tell us a little bit about where this passion for nature protection comes from,” the environmental activist said to Trudeau.

The prime minister said it came from playing outside as a child.

Guilbeault has acknowledged he is being courted by the Liberals to run for the party in the October federal election. He told reporters he hasn’t decided whether to enter politics.

“I’ve been approached by more than one federal political party,” he said. “I haven’t made a decision yet. I have a mandate with the federal government to produce a report (on climate action) around May or June, so I’ll make no decision before that work is done.”