LASER TALK: Reflections on the Loss of the Canada Carbon Rebate

Posted on September 7, 2025 in Laser Talk

Reflections on the Loss of the Canada Carbon Rebate

Since 2010, Citizens’ Climate Lobby has been building the political will for a carbon fee with rebates. In 2018 our efforts paid off with the enactment of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. However, due to a relentless disinformation campaigns and lack of public education about the rebate, PM Carney’s first act as Prime Minister was to purge the consumer carbon price and thus the carbon rebate from the books in May 2025.

We are heartened by the MPs who are fighting for climate action today, and grateful to those who, over the past 15 years, championed the carbon rebate in Parliament. We are in awe of the unconditional giving of our many volunteers, and the NGOs, and businesses that worked alongside us to make this policy a reality. We stand proud knowing that the rebate reduced income inequality, which is now at its highest level since records began.

We were disheartened to read about the July 2025 study from the CD Howe Institute that low income households lost out in the switch from the carbon rebate to the 1% drop in personal income tax to help Canadians with inflation.

At Citizens’ Climate Lobby, our commitment is not to any single policy but to a liveable world. With 15 years of experience, we understand that what may seem like a setback is often just another chapter in the journey. While the fossil fuel era is coming to an end, we know that the dedication and perseverance of countless individuals and many allied organizations will continue to drive a just and sustainable transition forward.

Moving forward, we will continue to be supportive of the Carbon Rebate (Climate Income) and lobby for policies that effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions while uplifting communities and ensuring fairness for all.

A perspective that helps us stay grounded is this:

Imagine your child has a serious illness, and one of the most effective treatments—endorsed by thousands of leading experts, including 28 Nobel Prize winners—is available for free. This treatment could dramatically improve their chances of recovery.

Now, imagine that misinformation leads to its cancellation, with no viable alternative in place—only costly, unproven options that benefit a select few – some who got the program cancelled in the first place.

Winning through deception, backed by vast sums of oligarch money, is like stealing all the cash and property in a game of Monopoly and then claiming victory. True success is earned with integrity, and we will continue working toward a future where fairness, truth, and climate action prevail.

Read more about all the deception here:

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