Carbon tax, NB Power rate hikes spark debate

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A Liberal request for an emergency debate on NB Power’s planned 12.8 per cent residential power rate hike, which takes effect on Monday, has been denied.

Liberal MLA Jean-Claude D’Amours rose early in Wednesday’s proceedings at the legislature, calling for the debate and arguing that the rate hike, if it proceeds, “could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for New Brunswickers.”

While acknowledging that NB Power’s debt must be addressed, D’Amours said now isn’t the time for the rate hike to proceed.

On Wednesday afternoon, Speaker Bill Oliver, who was the sole decision-maker, said the Liberal request “does not satisfy the requirement of the standing rules.”

The Liberals had a chance last week to provide a notice of motion to have the debate on Thursday during Opposition Members’ Business, “but that was not done,” Oliver said.

Speaking to reporters before Oliver’s decision, D’Amours said his request for an emergency debate was made because the rate hike is imminent, and that it likely wouldn’t have been granted if he’d made it earlier.

Energy Minister Mike Holland described the Liberal debate motion as “premature,” noting that NB Power’s rate hike is interim, and that New Brunswickers won’t find out the permanent rate for several months. He noted that it could be lower than 12.8 per cent, but later agreed it also could be higher.

Monday is looming as a painful day for New Brunswickers’ back pockets.

In addition to higher electricity prices, the federal government’s carbon tax will also jump that day; gas prices are expected to rise by 3.6 cents a litre. Premier Blaine Higgs has called on Ottawa to delay the increase and cancel the tax, arguing that the rise will have “a disastrous impact on New Brunswickers, and all Canadians.”

The carbon tax hike was again discussed in the legislature on Wednesday afternoon, and Higgs will make his case against the tax to a federal legislative committee on Thursday morning.

Green party Leader David Coon dismissed the Liberals’ emergency debate motion and the government’s desire to keep talking about the carbon tax as “political theatre.”