OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is demanding immediate passage of legislation in the Senate to expand carbon tax exemptions for agriculture after today’s Parliamentary Budget Officer analysisshows it would save farmers almost $1 billion through 2030.

“Making it more affordable for farmers to produce food will make it more affordable for families to buy food,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “The House of Common passed legislation to expand the carbon tax exemption for farmers. In fact, MPs have passed that legislation twice.

“The Senate needs to stop sitting on its hands and pass this legislation immediately.”

Today’s PBO analysis shows the federal carbon tax on natural gas and propane will cost Canadian farmers $978 million through 2030.

The federal government provided an agriculture exemption for carbon taxes on diesel and gasoline, but neglected to exempt natural gas and propane. Farmers use those fuels to dry grain and heat barns.

Bill C-234 would remove the carbon tax from these farm fuels. The House of Commons voted in favour of Bill C-234, but it’s currently stalled in the Senate. A previous bill also passed the House of Commons, but died in the Senate.

“Elected members of Parliament from every party have voted to pass this,” Terrazzano said. “The PBO has made it clear that this one obvious change would save taxpayers almost $1 billion. The Senate needs to do its job and pass this legislation NOW.”