Achi news desk-
The Canada Revenue Agency is going to audit Saskatchewan for not paying carbon levies on home heating, Premier Scott Moe said Monday.
Moe said the agency has indicated it will look at Saskatchewan’s books to see how much the province owes in unpaid levies to Ottawa.
“They will ask if they can look at the presentations we have made and for us to present money they estimate may be due,” he told reporters.
“We don’t believe there are any dollars that are owed.”
The Saskatchewan Party government decided earlier this year not to reference the federal carbon price on natural gas, a move that violates federal law.
Moe called the measure after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau exempted home heating oil users from having to pay the levy in a move largely seen as politically motivated to bolster Liberal support in Atlantic Canada.
The Canada Revenue Agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.
Trudeau said last week that the agency was “very, very good” at getting money owed and wished Moe “good luck” in dealing with the agency.
Moe said it was unfair for other forms of heating not to be exempt.
“We think the federal government could really take another step and make this whole policy decision fairer for more Canadian families,” he said.
Moe said the agency could face problems collecting the money, because Ottawa may have to change legislation to get it.
He pointed to a section of the federal budget that says Ottawa is proposing changes to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Act. The changes would allow federal officials to share information with each other about states that do not pay carbon levies.
Information would be shared “for the purpose of evaluating possible courses of action,” he said.
Trudeau has defended his decision to exempt users of home heating oil, saying it is more expensive than natural gas. He has ruled out offering exceptions to other users.
Most Canadians get more in refunds than they pay, Trudeau has said.
He has also said Saskatchewan residents will continue to get refunds, even though the province is not paying.
Moe said Saskatchewan residents can do whatever they want with their carbon refunds.
& copy 2024 The Canadian Press
