NDP Leader David Eby said on Thursday that he is ready to remove carbon tax on individuals if federal requirement changes.

He said in a statement: “For many years, B.C. had a consensus on the carbon tax as a useful tool in fighting climate change.

“Unfortunately, a series of decisions in Ottawa have politicized it and undermined support across the country. At the same time, we must recognize that British Columbians are being squeezed by global inflation and high interest rates.

“The reality we face is the federal requirement is still in place. If that changes in the future, we will remove the carbon tax on individual British Columbians while ensuring big industrial polluters pay their fair share. We can reduce emissions, keep our climate plan on track, and keep moving forward.

“I’m deeply committed to both fighting the climate crisis while helping British Columbians with costs so they can afford and benefit from lower-cost clean energy alternatives.”

Eby added: “Unfortunately, John Rustad has said that climate change is ‘a lie.’ He is promising to completely rip up BC’s climate action plan, leaving British Columbians more vulnerable to extreme weather events like wildfires and floods that add to costs we all pay and place huge pressures on the services we all count on.”

RUSTAD hit back by saying: “David Eby’s sudden reversal on the carbon tax is a desperate attempt to salvage his sinking political ship. Let’s be clear: Eby has spent years championing this disastrous tax that punishes families and businesses. Now, faced with growing opposition, he’s pretending to care. It’s nothing more than a cynical ploy.”

He added: “David Eby has lied to British Columbians before, and he’ll do it again. He’s flip-flopped on this because he’s losing ground, and if re-elected, he’ll waste no time reversing his position on this tax. British Columbians deserve real leadership, not a premier who changes his stance whenever it suits his political needs.”