Saskatchewan residents won’t be getting any less money in their carbon rebates than any other province that gets them, even though the provincial government decided to hold back carbon pricing on natural gas and other heating fuels.

The Prime Minister emphasized that during his visit at Wanuskewin Heritage Park today (Tues), where he was highlighting funding for Indigenous health programs, education, housing, infrastructure and loan guarantees for communities looking to invest in natural resource and energy projects. Justin Trudeau stated, “Despite the disagreement I have with the provincial government here in Saskatchewan on them not wanting to pay the federal government what is owed, the Canada Carbon Rebate cheques will not be impacted by the Government of Saskatchewan’s decision.” He added that the Canada Revenue Agency has ways of ensuring that money owed is eventually collected, and reiterated that 8 out of 10 people get more money back in rebates than they pay in carbon pricing.

There was no meeting scheduled with the Premier, which also happened last year when the Prime Minister was in town. Trudeau told reporters the invitation was put out there for a meeting. “As we always do, we let the Premier’s Office know I was coming to town and they said, that’s good, we don’t need a meeting right now or they weren’t able to organize a meeting right now.”