Conservatives attacked the Liberal fuel standard
During question period on March 9, Conservatives took aim at Liberal policies and how these decisions affect everyday Canadians including farmers.
Andrew Scheer, for example, said the fuel standard is making life more expensive.
“This is effectively another kind of carbon tax, which adds seven cents a litre (to fuel prices) and will rise to 17¢ a litre, meaning more costs for drivers, farmers, fishermen and those who transport our food,” he said.
In response, Liberal MPs touted the government’s plans to fast-track projects like the Taylor to Gordondale pipeline, the national child care plan, and the groceries benefit program.
Other MPs wanted answers about a pending rail project and its implications for farmland along the route.
Jean-Denis Garon, the Bloc MP for Mirabel, asked if the government will meet with farmers along the Alto line after the company’s CEO confirmed land expropriation is on the table.
Liberal MPs like Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the government is doing its due diligence.
“Of course, we will work with the mayor, the reeves, the farmers and the UPA,” she told the House. “Our Quebec lieutenant is working on this issue, as is my colleague, the Minister of Transport. “Having said that, we know that high-speed rail is a good project. However, as my colleague said, social licence is important, and we can do both.”
On March 10, the Conservatives continued their attacks on Liberal policies and the domino effects they have on farmers and food.
Bernard Généreux, the Conservative MP for Côte-du-Sud—Rivière-du-Loup—Kataskomiq—Témiscouata, told the House farmers in his riding are fed up.
“They are paying more and more for inputs like gas, fertilizer and farm equipment all because of the Liberal carbon and clean fuel taxes, for example,” he said before asking the government when it will stop with its tax policy.
Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound’s response highlighted that “the impact of the industrial carbon tax is virtually zero,” and reminded the House of items the Conservatives voted against.
On March 11, Garon continued to pressure the government about the Alto rail line and relayed farmers’ concerns.
“The mayor of Terrebonne is calling for real consultations. The Lanaudière chapter of the Union des producteurs agricoles is afraid that our best farmland will be cut in half and then abandoned. Everyone is worried,” he told the House.
In response, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the government will complete the project “in a respectful way” that includes consultations with farmers, mayors, and other local stakeholders.
On March 12, the Conservatives again targeted the clean fuel standard and its inflationary effects on food and fuel.
“When will the Liberals take responsibility for their actions here at home and take off these taxes that are punitive for Canadians?” said Rachael Thomas, the MP for Lethbridge.
Julie Dabrusin, the environment minister, responded.
The clean fuel standard will benefit farmers, she said.
“Canola farmers in Alberta will actually see an increase in the value of their product. They will actually see an increase in their farm revenue,” she told the House. “We see the Imperial renewable diesel facility is going to use up and require 50% of the canola produced in Alberta. This is an opportunity for farmers in her riding and in all the rest of her caucus members' ridings.”
Opposition MPs continued pressing the government to remove the clean fuel standard on March 13.