Toronto, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is applauding Ontario Premier Doug Ford for proposing legislation to force a referendum before any future government imposes a provincial carbon tax.

“Carbon taxes increase the price of everything, from gasoline to food to home heating,” said CTF Ontario Director Jay Goldberg. “Forcing a future government to ask Ontarians’ permission before imposing a provincial carbon tax is the right thing to do.”

The Ford government announced it plans to introduce this new legislation in the legislature’s spring session. Any future government would have to hold a referendum before introducing a carbon tax in the legislature.

“Former premier Kathleen Wynne introduced a cap-and-trade carbon tax in Ontario without asking Ontarians and taxpayers paid the price,” said Goldberg. “Politicians should have to explicitly get taxpayers’ permission before imposing any kind of new tax. This proposed legislation is a huge step in the right direction.

“Ford should look at following Alberta’s lead and require politicians to get the consent of voters before increasing any major tax, including income and sales taxes.”