Mark Carney’s 2025 federal budget marks one of the most aggressive pushes toward industrial carbon taxation in Canadian history. In it, Carney lays out a framework for what he calls “National Net Zero Compliance.” In simple terms, it’s a top-down system where provinces must obey federal ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and Net Zero directives — or face penalties through federally imposed carbon pricing.
On paper, it’s about climate accountability. In practice, it’s economic coercion, forcing provinces and industries to subsidize the Voluntary Carbon Market — a corporate welfare scheme championed by global financial interests like Brookfield, where Carney himself once held a senior position.
Ottawa’s Power Grab: The Death of Provincial Autonomy
Under Carney’s plan, provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta, whose economies depend heavily on oil, gas, and resource exports, would be forced to pay escalating industrial carbon levies if they resist Ottawa’s mandates. The message is clear:
“Obey the Net Zero plan, or we’ll create a tax for you.”
This approach tramples the foundational concept of provincial jurisdiction — the idea that provinces control their own natural resources under Section 92A of the Constitution Act.
For Carney, this is not just about the environment; it’s about centralizing power. The carbon tax, in effect, becomes a tool of compliance, compelling provinces to fund a federal agenda that primarily benefits global investors, consultants, and carbon-trading markets — not working Canadians.
Why the West Won’t Stay Silent
Saskatchewan and Alberta have long been the backbone of Canada’s energy and agricultural sectors. Yet, both provinces now face federal interference that threatens their sovereignty and economic stability.
Western Canadians remember how Ottawa’s housing interventions — through the CMHC, federal mortgage insurance, and artificially low down payments — distorted real estate markets nationwide. Now, Carney’s government seeks to repeat that same error in the energy sector.
If Carney’s carbon tax regime proceeds unchecked, expect growing talk of provincial autonomy — even outright resistance. Just as Quebec routinely ignores federal laws it deems unconstitutional, western provinces may soon follow suit. If Alberta or Saskatchewan ever declare that Ottawa must “collect and enforce its own carbon taxes,” the costs to the federal government would skyrocket, exposing the fragility of Canadian unity.
The U.S. Isn’t Buying Into ESG
Ironically, even the most left-leaning Democrats in the United States have refused to institutionalize ESG policies. Former President Joe Biden tightened federal restrictions on fossil fuel projects, but he never imposed ESG as law — largely because it would alienate America’s labour unions, a core Democratic voting bloc.
Mark Carney’s aggressive ESG expansion in Canada risks doing exactly that — driving private-sector unions away from the Liberals and NDP. While America is quietly backing away from Net Zero enforcement, Carney’s Canada is charging ahead, risking both economic collapse and political fragmentation.
The Coming Constitutional Crisis
Carney’s Industrial Carbon Tax isn’t just another policy — it’s a potential constitutional crisis in the making. The more Ottawa overreaches into provincial domains, the more resistance will grow.
Western provinces are already signalling their intent to protect their industries, their workers, and their economies from what they view as federal overreach masquerading as environmentalism. If Carney continues down this path, the result won’t be unity — it will be fracture.
A Christian Reflection
When politicians elevate their own agendas above the people they serve, it’s often pride — not principle — driving them. Scripture warns us in Proverbs 16:18:
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Canada’s divisions won’t be healed by taxes or treaties, but by truth and humility. The moral decay at the root of modern politics is spiritual, not fiscal.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.
Because when nations divide and leaders deceive, only Christ remains constant.
