A new carbon tax set to be implemented in 2017 by Alberta could have a big impact on the local economy, the residents of Wood Buffalo, and every household in the entire province. The tax will be economy wide and was set in place in order to address climate change and do more to lower the carbon emissions that the industry has. Complaints that the province, which is where the Canadian oil sands are located, has not done enough to fight global change was part of the reason for the new carbon tax. According to provincial government estimates the pal and the resulting tax could help generate annual revenue that may be as much as $2.25 billion.
Premier Rachel Notley defended the Alberta carbon tax and explained “It will help us access new markets for our energy products, and diversify our economy with renewable energy and energy efficiency technology. Alberta is showing leadership on one of the world’s biggest problems.” It is not just oil and energy companies who work in the oil sands who will be affected though. The average household in Alberta would see an increase in cost of around C$320 for 2017 and around C$470 in 2the year 2018. For many households in Wood Buffalo these added costs could be hard to cover while the economy is struggling and more people than ever have needed some type of assistance just to survive. What do you think of the new Alberta carbon tax plan? Is it a good idea or a costly mistake?