Manitoba Releases Discussion Paper on Climate Change Plan

The new Progressive Conservative Government of Manitoba has released a discussion paper entitled “A Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan: Hearing from Manitobans”, which outlines their proposals to fight climate change in the province.

Most notable is the government intends on implementing a carbon levy at a rate of $25 per tonne of CO₂ emissions beginning in 2018.  Unlike the federal requirement, or other carbon taxes/levies in Canada, where the tax is expected to rise to $50/tonne, this rate will remain in place until 2022.  As this proposal does not follow the federal requirements, it will be interesting to see what measures the federal government takes to address its deficiencies.

In addition, the discussion paper outlines plans to exempt farm operations from the application of the carbon levy on fuel used for their operations, and agricultural carbon emissions will not be specifically targeted by climate change initiatives. 

Furthermore, the discussion paper discusses proposals surrounding investment in green technology, preserving wetlands and water quality, and focusing on a full environmental initiative.

Manitobans are invited to submit their comments on this plan by November 30, 2017 by visiting www.manitobaclimategreenplan.ca.