Nova Scotia has spent $56,000 on ad campaign against federal carbon tax: minister

The Nova Scotia government is running an advertising campaign against the federal carbon tax, which takes effect Saturday in the province.

Gas prices in Nova Scotia will jump about 14 cents a litre that day, and they could jump more by July 7 because the province’s energy regulator has approved an increase of 3.74 cents due to Ottawa’s clean fuel regulations.

Environment Minister Tim Halman said Thursday his department has spent $56,000 on the two-week radio, print and social media campaign that is now running.

1:40 Halifax taxi driver speaks out about federal carbon tax’s effect on bottom line

Halman says the idea is to give the public “correct information” and to make it clear who is responsible for imposing the fuel price increase.

Liberal Leader Zach Churchill says the government is trying to fool the public and that his party will ask the auditor general and the Office of the Speaker to investigate what he alleges is a misuse of taxpayer funds.

NDP Leader Claudia Chender calls the ads one-sided partisan advertising disguised as public communication.

The two opposition parties point out the ad campaign makes no mention of the federal rebates expected to start in July.

Every three months, a family of four will receive $184 in New Brunswick, $240 in Prince Edward Island, $248 in Nova Scotia and $328 in Newfoundland and Labrador. Rural residents get an extra 10 per cent.

1:34 N.S. residents who heat with oil trying to get ahead of carbon tax increase

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2023.