Budget 2022 Enhances Industry Decarbonization Programs but Misses Opportunity to Address Competitiveness Challenges for B.C.’s Low-Carbon Mines and Smelters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, B.C. – While Budget 2022 increased funding for industry decarbonization programs it also missed an opportunity to implement urgent policy changes to B.C.’s carbon tax to improve the competitiveness of mining and smelting and other trade-exposed industries in B.C., according to the Mining Suppliers Association of B.C. (MSABC).
Budget 2022 highlighted the need to redesign the CleanBC Program for Industry to align it with new federal carbon pricing rules and promote a more competitive business environment for trade-exposed industries. However, future changes and enhancements to the program are not certain and will only be considered after a year-long consultation process. B.C. is the only global mining jurisdiction with a comprehensive carbon tax that does not provide meaningful carbon pricing support to trade-exposed industries like mines. [...]