OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole is pitching a $20-per-tonne carbon price for consumers in his party's plan to tackle climate change.
The move represents a major policy shift for the party, which has long campaigned to scrap the program introduced by the Liberals under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The 15-page document, obtained by The Canadian Press, is set to be announced by O'Toole later this morning and outlines how carbon pricing would work under the Conservatives.
It says the price would start at $20 per tonne and rise to no higher than $50 per tonne.
The party, which did not immediately respond to comment, says its system would be more affordable than what's currently in place, and it would work with provinces to create a "Personal Low Carbon Savings Account."
The plan says Canadians would pay into their account each time they buy hydrocarbon-based fuel, and then use that money to pay for products to help them live a "greener life," like a bike or bus pass.
It says the accounts would be managed by companies similar to how a debit-card system works.
"Even at this lower carbon price, we will ensure that this does not place an excessive burden on low-income Canadians and will protect farmers by ensuring that they have affordable options," the plan reads.
