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There’s a growing case for cancelling or suspending Alberta’s carbon tax on grounds of economic emergency.

Premier Rachel Notley has always said that without a pipeline, Alberta’s economy can’t support the federal dream of a $50 per tonne tax by 2021.

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She added, however, that we can afford $30 per tonne without a pipeline. That’s where Alberta’s carbon levy sits now.

But can the economy absorb even that level of tax today?

Oil prices are lower, production is being cut, the differential is high, Alberta is paying more than $2 billion for rail rolling stock, pipeline construction is uncertain, and there’s a serious threat of more layoffs.

These factors are either entirely new or much more serious than they were when Notley launched the tax.

Flat-out cancellation is what Jason Kenney’s United Conservative Party wants, of course.

There’s no thought of that now among Notley’s deep thinkers. But nothing changes minds and principles like a looming election and bad polls.