The basis for Poilievre’s concerns seems to be a clause in chapter 13 of the modernization agreement between Canada and Ukraine (the new agreement runs to 30 chapters, plus annexes).
“Consistent with Article 13.24, the Parties shall cooperate bilaterally and in international forums to address matters of mutual interest, as appropriate, to … promote carbon pricing and measures to mitigate carbon leakage risks,” the agreement states.
Poilievre’s insistence that this is meant to “impose” a carbon tax on Ukrainians is also hard to square with the fact that Ukraine has had a carbon tax since 2011.
The mere fact of those votes — after two years of broad, multi-partisan support for Ukraine as it defends itself against a Russian invasion — would be noteworthy on its own.
Testifying before a House of Commons committee earlier this month, the federal government’s chief trade negotiator said the provisions weren’t binding and were meant to promote discussion and co-operation.
While the Liberals have denounced the Conservatives for voting against the modernization agreement, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan also claimed on Wednesday that “no one is buying this carbon tax excuse.”
Government House leader Karina Gould, meanwhile, seemed to hint at another motivation when she suggested that “Conservatives are following in the steps of right-wing American politicians.”
If one ignores the rest of Poilievre’s answer, maybe that initial comment offers a narrower explanation — that the Conservatives rejected a free trade agreement simply because it includes the words “carbon pricing.”
Promising to repeal both elements would create an even bigger hole in Canada’s climate regime for Conservatives to fill with different policies.
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This is the best summary I could come up with:
The mere fact of those votes — after two years of broad, multi-partisan support for Ukraine as it defends itself against a Russian invasion — would be noteworthy on its own.
Testifying before a House of Commons committee earlier this month, the federal government’s chief trade negotiator said the provisions weren’t binding and were meant to promote discussion and co-operation.
While the Liberals have denounced the Conservatives for voting against the modernization agreement, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan also claimed on Wednesday that “no one is buying this carbon tax excuse.”
Government House leader Karina Gould, meanwhile, seemed to hint at another motivation when she suggested that “Conservatives are following in the steps of right-wing American politicians.”
If one ignores the rest of Poilievre’s answer, maybe that initial comment offers a narrower explanation — that the Conservatives rejected a free trade agreement simply because it includes the words “carbon pricing.”
Promising to repeal both elements would create an even bigger hole in Canada’s climate regime for Conservatives to fill with different policies.
The original article contains 959 words, the summary contains 166 words. Saved 83%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!