Carney says industrial carbon tax has zero impact on groceries, economists and critics disagree

Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that Canada's industrial carbon tax and Clean Fuel Regulations have 'zero' impact on grocery and fuel prices, attributing recent cost increases to global conflicts and trade tariffs. His remarks came in response to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who argued that carbon pricing is driving up costs for small businesses and consumers. Critics, including food economist Sylvain Charlebois, dispute Carney's claim. Charlebois cites federal modeling that estimated millions in carbon pricing costs for food and beverage manufacturing in 2022, and a correlation between diesel prices and grocery inflation nine months later. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation points to a Leger poll where 68% of respondents believe businesses pass on most or some carbon costs to consumers. Ottawa's industrial carbon tax is set at $95 per tonne in 2026, rising to $100 in 2027.