Close X
Monday, December 2, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canada Revenue Agency to audit Saskatchewan for not paying carbon levies: Moe

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Apr, 2024 12:17 PM
  • Canada Revenue Agency to audit Saskatchewan for not paying carbon levies: Moe

Moe said the agency has indicated it will look at Saskatchewan's books to see how much the province owes in levies that weren't paid to Ottawa.

“They will ask if they can look at the submissions we’ve made and for us to submit money they estimate may be owed,” he told reporters.

“We don’t believe there's any dollars that are owed.”

The Saskatchewan Party government decided earlier this year to not remit the federal carbon price on natural gas, a move that breaks federal law.

Moe invoked the measure after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau exempted users of home heating oil from having to pay the levy in a move largely seen as politically motivated to boost Liberal support in Atlantic Canada.

The Canada Revenue Agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Trudeau said last week the agency is “very, very good” at getting money owed and wished Moe “good luck” in dealing with the agency.

Moe said it’s unfair for other forms of heating not to be exempt. 

“We think the federal government could actually take another step and make this whole policy decision more fair to more Canadian families,” he said.

Moe said the agency could face problems collecting the money, as Ottawa may have to change legislation to get it.

He pointed to a section of the federal budget that says Ottawa is proposing changes to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Act. The changes would allow federal officials to share information with one another about provinces that aren’t paying carbon levies.

Information would be shared “for the purposes of evaluating potential action,” it says.

Trudeau has defended his decision to exempt home-heating oil users, saying it’s more expensive than natural gas. He has ruled out offering exemptions to other users.

Most Canadians get more in rebates than what they pay, Trudeau has said.

He has also said Saskatchewan residents will continue to get rebates, even though the province isn't paying.

Moe said Saskatchewan residents can do whatever they want with their carbon rebates.

MORE National ARTICLES

Hunger on the Rise Canadian Food Banks in High Demand

Hunger on the Rise Canadian Food Banks in High Demand
Earlier this year, there were an unprecedented 1.9 million visits to food banks in Canada. This is a 32% increase from 2022 and a 78% increase since before the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, food banks are approaching 2024 with growing concerns as the sustained increase in demand places additional strain on their resources and capacities.

Hunger on the Rise Canadian Food Banks in High Demand

BC snowmobiler dead

BC snowmobiler dead
Police in eastern British Columbia are warning backcountry users to be ready for emergencies after a snowmobiler was killed and two skiers had to be rescued this week in separate incidents. RCMP in the Golden-Field detachment say the death happened on Jan. 21 when a snowmobile driven by a 24-year-old man left the trail down a steep embankment and hit some trees.

BC snowmobiler dead

Spike expected in homes sales in 2024

Spike expected in homes sales in 2024
Homes sales in the province are forecast to increase this year by 7.8 per cent, in what the B-C Real Estate Association says will be a delicate balance for the market. The association’s Brian Ogmundson says headwinds slowed last year’s sales with elevated mortgage rates, but the recent decline in fixed mortgage rates and the potential for Bank of Canada rate cuts make it a more optimistic year. 

Spike expected in homes sales in 2024

Manager in fatal B.C. rooming house fire calls for better fire safety training

Manager in fatal B.C. rooming house fire calls for better fire safety training
The manager of a Vancouver rooming house that was the site of a fatal fire in 2022 broke down in tears at an inquest, telling the jury that staff needed better training in fire safety. Gina Vanemberg testified that a "red book" with fire safety procedures was given to her when she became manager of the Winters Hotel in 2020, but no one from her employer, Atira Property Management, went over the paperwork or confirmed that she read it.

Manager in fatal B.C. rooming house fire calls for better fire safety training

Military 'will be there' for Canadians in emergencies despite resource strain: Blair

Military 'will be there' for Canadians in emergencies despite resource strain: Blair
Defence Minister Bill Blair says the military's greatest responsibility is protecting Canadians, and his government intends to keep calling on them for help in domestic emergencies. Blair says he knows responding to natural disasters puts a lot of pressure on the Armed Forces, which is dealing with a personnel shortage of more than 16,000 troops. 

Military 'will be there' for Canadians in emergencies despite resource strain: Blair

Vancouver approves high-density Jericho Lands project criticized by some residents

Vancouver approves high-density Jericho Lands project criticized by some residents
Vancouver's city council has approved a high-density development concept for a 36-hectare site on the city's west side, involving13,000 new homes. The Council says the Jericho Lands Policy Statement sets the direction for development of the land owned by a joint venture that includes three First Nations.

Vancouver approves high-density Jericho Lands project criticized by some residents