National carbon tax must consider regional needs and cost-of-living hike: Yukon

WHITEHORSE – Yukon’s premier says a federal carbon tax would be detrimental to life in northern Canada.

Darrell Pasloski says his government is opposed to the levy because it would increase the cost of living and affect the competitiveness of territory’s economy.

He says burning fuel for heat and transportation is a necessity in the region, not a luxury, and the cost is sure to jump if the tax goes through.

Media reports say the Liberal government is considering a national carbon tax of $15 a tonne to help reduce emissions.

Pasloski says Yukon supports addressing climate change but a national emissions reduction strategy needs to take regional needs into account.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall also condemned a carbon tax last week, saying it would “kneecap” an already struggling Canadian economy.