Federal Research Found Carbon Tax Widely Unpopular in Atlantic Canada Before Home Heating Oil Exemption

The federal government’s billion-dollar carbon tax cut on home heating oil was implemented after repeated warnings from in-house pollsters of the unpopularity of the policy. According to Privy Council records obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter, federal researchers spent months questioning Atlantic focus groups on the federal carbon tax, issuing reports in May, June, and July 2023. “A number expressed concerns regarding how much this initiative would cost as well as whether it would further exacerbate what was viewed as the high cost of living at present,” said a report on participants in a Newfoundland and Labrador focus group. Nova Scotians called the tax “too complicated” and divisive, while New Brunswickers said it was “pointless.”...