Industries and consumers are seeing lower prices as a pair of carbon taxes have been lifted in Saskatchewan. The consumer carbon tax was lifted by the federal government on April 1st, and was quickly followed up by the provincial government lifting the industrial carbon tax.
Economic Development Regina CEO Chris Lane says that the lifting of those restrictions is a step in the right direction.
"I think it immediately makes companies operating in Saskatchewan more competitive, or at least removes a barrier to competitiveness. So from the companies that have invested in, from the companies that are employing people and manufacturing or extracting or exporting what we do best here in this province, if it's clearly good for them, then obviously it's something that we would support."
With a quickly changing economic landscape across the world, Lane says it's good to see Saskatchewan businesses getting better opportunities.
An industrial emissions policy may be in the cards in some form for Saskatchewan, as the province has stated it'll talk with businesses to see what fits best.
Lane says that whatever steps are next taken should be done in concert with what's best for businesses.
"I think this province has shown a dedication and a willingness to engage with industry to make sure that that, from a regulatory perspective, that we're competitive, that we're doing the right thing and that we continue to build an economy that really powers the investments in every other aspect that we do in this province."
Lane says that any commitment the province makes to making sure they're constantly engaging with industry and investments is good for Saskatchewan.