Christy Clark Eyes Liberal Leadership, Vows to Scrap Federal Carbon Tax
Former B.C. premier Christy Clark has emerged as a potential contender for the Liberal Party leadership, positioning herself as a critic of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal carbon tax. Clark stated in a recent interview that she would repeal the tax if she were to replace Trudeau as prime minister.
A Shift on Climate Policy
“I don’t think we should keep the carbon tax that the federal government has. I think the Trudeau carbon tax isn’t working,” Clark told Catherine Cullen in an interview set to air Saturday.
Clark, who upheld British Columbia’s provincial carbon tax during her tenure, froze the rate at $30 per tonne in 2012. By contrast, the current federal levy stands at $80 per tonne and is slated to rise to $95 in April.
“A carbon tax isn’t the only answer to fighting climate change,” Clark emphasized. “There’s a range of other tools we can use without harming people or the economy.”
Her comments follow criticism from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who dubbed her “carbon tax Clark” and the “carbon tax queen.”
Denying Conservative Membership Allegations
Clark also addressed allegations regarding her ties to the Conservative Party, denying that she was ever an official member.
“I never got a membership, and I never got a ballot,” Clark asserted, despite her public endorsement of Jean Charest during the 2022 Conservative leadership race. She explained her support for Charest as an effort to prevent Poilievre from securing leadership, but maintained that she did not formally join the party.
However, Conservative Party spokesperson Sarah Fischer countered Clark’s claims, stating, “Christy Clark purchased a Conservative Party membership through Jean Charest’s leadership campaign. That membership is no longer active.”
Reports from outlets such as The Vancouver Sun and The Hill Times in 2022 also indicated that Clark had signed up to vote in the leadership contest.
Liberal Leadership Race Heats Up
The Liberal Party announced that it will unveil its new leader on March 9, sparking speculation about Clark’s potential candidacy. While she has not officially entered the race, Clark revealed she is “seriously thinking about” pursuing the leadership position.
Clark’s stance on environmental policy and her rejection of Conservative ties could shape the leadership race dynamics as she seeks to appeal to Liberal voters looking for a new direction post-Trudeau.
With the leadership contest looming, all eyes are now on Clark as she navigates her path toward a potential political comeback.
Source : The Canadian Press
