Saskatchewan has taken a significant step towards reducing the financial burden on its residents by introducing a legislative amendment that will exempt home heating from the carbon levy.
The amendment, which was announced by the provincial government on Tuesday, aims to provide relief to households that have been struggling with the rising costs of heating their homes. Under the current carbon levy system, households are charged a fee of $0.06 per cubic metre of natural gas, propane, and other heating fuels. This fee is expected to increase to $0.09 per cubic metre in April 2022.
However, with the new amendment, the carbon levy will no longer apply to home heating, providing an estimated savings of $100 per year for the average household. This move is in line with the government’s commitment to reduce the financial burden on its citizens, especially during these challenging times.
In addition to providing financial relief, the amendment also aims to support the province’s economy by encouraging the use of natural gas and other heating fuels. This will not only benefit households but also businesses that rely on these fuels for their operations.
The government has also assured that the revenue lost from the exemption of home heating from the carbon levy will be offset by other measures, such as increasing the levy on industrial emitters. This will ensure that the province remains on track to meet its emission reduction targets.
The amendment has been met with positive reactions from residents and industry groups alike. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has praised the move, stating that it will provide much-needed relief to businesses and households. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has also welcomed the amendment, calling it a step in the right direction towards reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
The legislative amendment will be introduced in the upcoming legislative session and is expected to come into effect on April 1, 2021. With this move, Saskatchewan has taken a significant step towards providing financial relief to its residents while also supporting its economy and meeting its emission reduction targets.
