Ont. Progressive Conservative platform in limbo as candidates rethink carbon tax
TORONTO — All three candidates vying to lead Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives have distanced themselves from a party commitment to replace the governing Liberals’ cap-and-trade system with a carbon tax, raising questions about their ability to deliver on some major election promises.
The carbon tax, a key pillar in the party platform introduced in November, was forecast to bring in an estimated $4 billion and fund an income tax cut, as well as mental health spending among other measures.
None of those competing to replace former Tory leader Patrick Brown, who resigned last month amid sexual misconduct allegations he denies, have so far laid out what they would put in place of the carbon tax if they officially axe it, but all have said they’re opposed to the measure.
Experts say eliminating the carbon tax would require overhauling the party platform mere months ahead of a spring election.