The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and the majority of its members are against a carbon tax and instead would like to see a greater focus on energy efficiency programming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and a greater use of renewable energy resources.
Chamber CEO, Steve McLellan, says a recent survey echoes the results from a survey in 2016, which also indicated small and medium sized business don’t believe a carbon tax would be effective in reducing emissions.
The survey conducted last month also included how the proceeds should be allocated if the carbon tax become a reality, although McLellan hopes the province’s court case against the federal government will change that outcome.
It’s projected that $30-million would be re-directed to small and medium sized businesses in the first year, and that would grow to $80-million by 2023-24.
The most popular responses were directing revenues back to businesses, supporting programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the business, and supporting increased renewable energy use.

McLellan emphasizes that opposing a carbon tax doesn’t mean businesses are against reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
From the survey, 83 per cent support the idea that Saskatchewan should work to meaningfully reduce emissions.