What Does Today’s Increase Mean for You?
As of April 1st, the national price on pollution in Canada has risen by $15 per tonne. This adjustment has sparked numerous questions about its implications for individuals and businesses across the country. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this increase and how it could affect you.
Who Bears the Carbon Price?
Canada operates two distinct carbon pricing programs: one for major industries, where companies pay based on a portion of their actual emissions, and another for consumers known as the consumer carbon levy. The consumer levy impacts a wide range of entities, including individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, First Nations, and public-sector entities like hospitals, universities, schools, and municipalities.
The recent price change specifically impacts the consumer levy, which is applicable in all provinces and territories except British Columbia, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories.
What Does the Consumer Carbon Levy Cover?
The consumer carbon levy is applied to more than 20 different fuel sources that generate greenhouse gas emissions when burned for energy. This includes fuels like gasoline, propane, diesel, and natural gas. The amount of carbon price added to each fuel depends on the quantity of greenhouse gases produced during its combustion.
For instance, diesel, which emits more carbon dioxide per litre than gasoline, incurs a higher carbon price per litre.
Impact on Fuel Prices
The increase in the carbon price will lead to changes in the prices of various fuels, except in Quebec where the system differs.
- Gasoline: With the carbon price rising from $65 to $80 per tonne, the price per litre of gasoline will now include 17.6 cents in carbon price, up by 3.3 cents. Filling a 50-litre tank will cost approximately $8.80 in carbon price, an increase of about $1.65.
- Diesel: The carbon price for diesel will rise from 17.38 cents to 21.39 cents per litre.
- Propane: The carbon price for propane will increase from 10.08 cents to 12.38 cents per litre. Filling a standard 20-pound barbecue propane tank will cost around $2.20 in carbon price, up from $1.78 previously.
- Natural Gas: For households using natural gas for heating, the annual carbon price bill is estimated to rise from $282 to about $347, with the price per cubic metre increasing from 12.4 cents to 15.3 cents.
Indirect Costs and Rebates
Beyond direct fuel costs, carbon pricing can indirectly impact the prices of goods and services as businesses adjust to the levy. Statistics Canada has noted a modest increase in food and clothing prices due to carbon pricing.
To mitigate the impact on consumers, the federal government provides carbon rebates to provinces subject to the federal carbon price. These rebates, calculated based on family size rather than income, aim to offset the increased costs for households. However, the extent of relief varies by province, with rural residents receiving a 20% additional rebate due to their typically longer driving distances.
Conclusion
While the carbon price increase may lead to higher costs for fuel and some goods and services, the accompanying rebates seek to cushion the impact on households. As we navigate these changes, understanding the dynamics of carbon pricing and its implications is crucial for individuals and businesses alike.
