LISTEN: 'Time to put a price on pollution':

[Oscar]

LISTEN: 'Time to put a price on pollution': Environment minister defends carbon pricing ultimatum ( 19.45 Min. )

[ http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the- ... -1.3789413 ]

Tuesday October 04, 2016

The Liberal government has announced that the price on carbon pollution should start at a minimum of $10 per tonne in 2018, rising to $50 in 2022.

Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador walked out of climate talks after the announcement with one dubbing the plan, "National Energy Program 2.0."

Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna tells The Current's Anna Maria Tremonti it was unfortunate three governments decided to leave climate talks and says Canadians want to understand how they can be part of a solution

"I believe in talking. I think that's a better way to move forward. I think Canadians expect that."

Several provinces do have carbon pricing, but the Liberals say Ottawa will impose a carbon price on any jurisdiction that doesn't have its own in motion by 2018.

McKenna says the carbon pricing plan will encourage innovation and creating good jobs, and it's up to the provinces to decide what system works for them.

"This is not a polarized debate," says McKenna. "There was a poll where the majority of Canadians want to put a price on pollution. They want sensible measures. They want to see concrete action."

"We need solutions and Canadians expect leadership on this issue and that's what we're going to continue to do."

Listen to the full conversation at the top of this web post.
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This segment was produced by The Current's Pacinthe Mattar, Lara O'Brien, Sujata Berry and Julian Uzielli.

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