The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is urging New Brunswick Liberal Leader Susan Holt to pledge to fight the federal carbon tax if she wins the provincial election.

“The carbon tax is making life unaffordable for New Brunswick families,” said Devin Drover, Atlantic Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “Holt must clarify where she stands and commit to fighting the federal carbon tax if elected later this year.”

While Holt has previously voiced support for pausing future hikes to the carbon tax, she has not yet committed to fully opposing the tax if she becomes premier.

N.B. Conservative Premier Blaine Higgs has pushed to scrap the carbon tax.

“Provincial politicians of all stripes are now recognizing the need to fight the federal carbon tax,” Drover added. “Holt must do the right thing and commit to joining the fight.”

Yesterday, B.C. NDP Premier David Eby became the latest politician in favour of scrapping the carbon tax. Eby stated the carbon tax was making life less affordable for British Columbians and that planned hikes were “unsustainable.”

Similarly, N.L. Liberal Premier Andrew Furey has been a vocal critic of the federal carbon tax, opposing hikes and stating that the policy was the wrong approach to fighting climate change.

The carbon tax is expected to cost the New Brunswick economy $137 million this year.

“The carbon tax costs New Brunswickers big time for gas, groceries, and everything else,” said Drover. “It is a huge drag on the provincial economy we just can’t afford.”