The repeal of the carbon tax in Alberta has had one indisputable beneficiary: Albertans. Alberta’s Premier introduced the repeal bill in May as one of his first actions in office, arguing the tax imposed on families an undue burden with no significant environmental benefit.
In theory, the carbon-pricing scheme was supposed to internalize externalities, decrease fossil-fuel consumption, and incentivize alternative energy. In practice, over the course of a single year, it cost individuals $286 and couples $388, on average. Couples with two children paid $508.
And these stiff prices did not account for indirect burdens arising through more expensive groceries further inflated by higher transportation costs to the Prairie province.
As well, the carbon tax, which went into effect in 2017, set back Alberta businesses by $1.4 billion per year, a downer for investment and job growth.
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