Ecofiscal Commissioners Archives - Canada's Ecofiscal Commission

Nov 28 2019

Why carbon pricing remains the smartest policy tool

In the organization’s final report, Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission underlines carbon pricing is the lowest-cost option for meeting emissions targets. In the wake of the federal election, it is clear that Canadians want more action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Stronger policies will be essential to achieve our 2030 Paris Accord target for GHG reductions. With […]

Oct 31 2019

New Brunswick embraces carbon pricing; it should choose wisely

by Elizabeth Beale and Jonathan Arnold

Climate and Energy Cap-and-trade Carbon Pricing Carbon tax Ecofiscal Commissioners Polluter Pay Provincial Policy Revenue Recycling

Last week, in response to the results of the federal election, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs announced he would look at options for implementing a carbon price in his province. It’s a policy shift that embraces a core principle of the Pan-Canadian Framework: provinces creating their own, tailored approach to pricing carbon. A made-in-New-Brunswick approach […]

Jun 28 2019

Summary of Ontario Court Decision on the Federal Carbon Pricing Law

by Stewart Elgie

Climate and Energy Carbon Pricing Ecofiscal Commissioners Ontario Provincial Policy

The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) is constitutionally valid. Parliament has the authority to set minimum national standards to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions under its “National Concern” power – a branch of the Peace, Order and Good Government (POGG) power in the Constitution. 4 of the […]

May 3 2019

Summary of Saskatchewan Court Decision on the Federal Carbon Pricing Law

by Stewart Elgie

Climate and Energy Carbon Pricing Ecofiscal Commissioners Provincial Policy Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal ruled that the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) is constitutionally valid; it falls within federal authority under the “National Concern” power – a branch of the Peace, Order and Good Government power. What is the decision? 3 of the 5 judges joined in this majority opinion. The two […]

Apr 10 2019

Feeling good without actually doing good

by Richard Lipsey

Climate and Energy Carbon Pricing Ecofiscal Commissioners Oil & Gas Sector

I join with most Canadians who have come to accept the reality of climate change and with those who agree that the emissions from burning fossil fuels–mainly coal, oil, and natural gas−are a major cause of such change. I also join with most Canadian by asking: What can we do to keep our climate from […]

Apr 9 2019

User fees for water and wastewater encourage wise behaviour

by Justin Leroux and Jonathan Arnold

Water Ecofiscal Commissioners Opinion User Fees Water Pricing

Canadians are a water-loving people and are very proud of our freshwater resources. Canadians also benefit from world-class municipal water and wastewater services. These systems deliver clean drinking water to our taps and treat the wastewater that goes down our toilets and drains, and they are directly connected to the lakes, rivers and streams we […]

An Open Letter from Economists on Canadian Carbon Pricing

Ecofiscal Commissioners