In a bold move shaping Ontario’s political landscape, Bonnie Crombie, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, announced her stance against implementing a provincial carbon tax if elected premier following the 2026 election. Crombie’s declaration marks a departure from traditional Liberal policy and comes amidst efforts by rival Progressive Conservatives to label her as the “queen of the carbon tax.”
Addressing constituents on Monday, Crombie unveiled her comprehensive climate policy vision, emphasizing a strategic shift away from carbon taxation towards alternative measures. These measures include bolstering public transit systems, investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, reforming land-use planning for sustainable communities, conserving natural resources, decarbonizing the energy grid, and supporting agricultural sustainability. Crucially, Crombie emphasized her commitment to assisting households in becoming more energy-efficient and saving money, rather than imposing additional tax burdens.
Our Climate Action Panel, led by @MaryMargaretBEY, will develop the most innovative, aggressive environmental plan this province has ever seen.
We also have a clear direction on what that plan should and should not do: we will ensure major polluters pay, but our plan will also… pic.twitter.com/HH7ON80BhS
— Bonnie Crombie 🇨🇦 (@BonnieCrombie) March 18, 2024
However, Crombie’s announcement notably sidestepped addressing her position on the federal carbon pricing system, raising questions about her alignment with existing federal policies. Energy Minister Todd Smith seized upon this omission, calling for Crombie to clarify her stance on the federal carbon pricing system.
Ontario currently operates under the federal carbon pricing backstop, following the province’s withdrawal from a cap-and-trade system in 2018. Additionally, Ontario maintains its own carbon pricing system for industrial emitters.
Crombie’s climate policy strategy involves convening an expert policy panel to lead consultations and craft the Liberal Party’s platform for the upcoming 2026 election. The panel boasts a diverse array of expertise, including caucus member Mary-Margaret McMahon, former Liberal environment and agriculture ministers, and a managing director from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation.
Crombie’s declaration signals a strategic pivot within the Ontario Liberal Party, positioning the party as champions of alternative climate action measures while steering clear of contentious carbon taxation policies. As the political landscape evolves, Crombie’s vision sets the stage for a dynamic debate on climate policy in the lead-up to the 2026 election.
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