'I don’t know what the guy’s smokin' up there': Ford mocks federal carbon tax while speaking to farmers in London, Ont.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford continued his attack on the federal carbon tax Tuesday while speaking to farmers in London.
“I think we scrap this tax totally. You know all it does is gouge people. They call ‘Oh it’s beneficial.’ I don’t know what the guy’s smokin’ up there but it’s not beneficial. It hurts people,” said Ford in his remarks.
The premier was a guest speaker at the Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic being held at London’s RBC Place. His comments come with the carbon tax set to increase by 23 per cent April 1, 2024.
“All carbon tax schemes, they’re absolutely awful, they take money out of peoples’ pockets, they increase the cost of every product you produce,” Ford told the crowd.
Ontario opted out of the federal carbon program after Ford formed government in 2018.
However, the province does have its own carbon pricing for industrial emitters, requiring them to pay if they exceed certain limits.
Ford also called for the quick passage of Bill C-234. That’s the legislation which would exempt the carbon tax charged on natural gas and propane used by farmers, primarily to dry grains.
The crowd watching Premier Doug Ford speak at the Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic in London. March 19, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
“That gets billed onto us right? So [you’ve got to] remember, you know it’s still a cost, so we need to get rid of it, scrap it entirely,” explained Tillsonburg, Ont. farmer Andy Pasztor.
“I think it’s going to be an election, federal election, before it changes,” speculated Perth County cash crop farmer John Williams.
Ontario Grain Farmers Chair Jeff Harrison said he had to remain neutral when it comes to showing support for one party over another, but he said federal taxes are driving up production costs.
“The federal Liberals plain and simple have not been friendly to us with our cost of productions, whether it’s a carbon tax or a fertilizer tax that continues to hurt our farmers,” said Harrison.
Ford also touted his Building Ontario Business initiative, which he said will lead to $3 billion in contract awards to Ontario companies by 2026.
“We’re going to take care of our own, that’s what we need to do. Take care of Ontario, take care of Canadians,” he said.
The crowd watching Premier Doug Ford speak at the Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic in London. March 19, 2024. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.