Saskatchewan businesses, farmers criticize carbon tax in letter to Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Pictured) and his federal Liberal government will confront the reality of Donald Trump in the White House as his cabinet members gathered Sunday for a three-day retreat that are to include discussions with an adviser to the new president. (Photo: Justin Trudeau/ Facebook)

SASKATOON –Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Saskatchewan won’t be adversely affected by his government’s proposed carbon levy.

Speaking in Saskatoon, Trudeau says every penny collected from carbon levy in Saskatchewan will stay in the province.

He says people in Saskatchewan will benefit from the pipelines that have just been approved.

But Trudeau says the government can’t move forward on the economy unless it protects the environment.

Saskatchewan businesses, farmers and rural politicians sent a letter to Trudeau saying his plans to charge $10 per tonne of carbon starting in 2018 will cost producers and businesses in competitiveness and income.

Trudeau has also come under heavy criticism from Premier Brad Wall who says the carbon levy was imposed before Ottawa examined how the levy will affect various industries.