Article content

Ontarians have a big environmental and political decision to make in 2019. It is one that will go a long way toward determining the outcome of the fall federal election.

They have been offered two competing approaches to combat climate change. The provincial government’s plan will regulate emissions and offer incentives to reduce them. Expect a remarkably similar approach from the federal Conservatives. The Trudeau government, however, insists a carbon tax is essential.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Randall Denley: Ontarians' reaction to competing climate change plans may decide the next federal election Back to video

So far, this has largely played out as a battle between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford, but Trudeau is the guy with all the political jeopardy. If Trudeau imposes his carbon tax it will let Ford rail against the Liberals for as long as they are in power. If Trudeau can’t persuade Ontarians that a carbon tax is reasonable, he is going to lose a lot of seats in the province and possibly the election.

For that reason, the onus is on Trudeau to justify his plan to a province where nearly half the population remains sceptical, even after he promised that most people would get back more money than the carbon tax will cost them.