Video

The rise and fall of the carbon tax, explained

We’re launching The Narwhal’s video work in 2025 with a deep dive into a tax — err, price — that was supposed to be here to stay

By L. Manuel Baechlin

Manuel is The Narwhal’s new video producer. Get to know him in this Q&A
April 2, 2025
This article is more than 1 year old

The carbon tax wasn’t supposed to be this controversial. So why are seemingly all Canadian politicians now disavowing it?

I spoke with climate investigations reporter Carl Meyer about the origin story of the carbon pricing system, its purpose in curbing emissions and the difference between the consumer and industrial price. Then, I caught up with Ontario reporter Fatima Syed to make sense of what our leaders are saying about it right now. 

Oh, and what are the consequences if the price on carbon disappears completely? Watch the video below.

This video is the first of many more to come for our team at The Narwhal. Want to make sure you don’t miss our latest work? Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and follow us on TikTok. 

Video source notes

Corresponding time stampSource
00:57The Guardian: Just 100 companies responsible for 71% of global emissions, study says
01:45The Narwhal: What on earth just happened with B.C.’s carbon tax?
02:59Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act
03:12Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act — Fuel Charge Regulations
03:21Canada Revenue Agency: fuel charge rates
03:47Government of Canada: Output-Based Pricing System regulations
03:53Government of Canada: Output-Based Pricing System overview
04:11Government of Canada: quantification guidance for the Output-Based Pricing System regulations
04:25Canada Revenue Agency: Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) for individuals
05:06Government of Canada: Fuel Charge Proceeds Fund for Indigenous governments
05:08Government of Canada: Canada Carbon Rebate rural top-up, 2024 and 2025
05:39Government of Canada: Output-Based Pricing System Proceeds Fund
06:02The Narwhal: Here’s where Canada’s new prime minister stands on the future of oil and gas
08:20Canadian Climate Institute: Industrial carbon pricing the top driver of emissions reductions, new analysis shows