Carbon price is a tough political battle, minister says ahead of hike – National [Video]

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says the carbon price remains a “tough political battle” as the controversial decision to keep raising the price is set to kick in on Monday.

Guilbeault told The West Block host Mercedes Stephenson that the increase does more financial good than harm for average Canadians, and is necessary to solve climate change.

“We have a plan that is balanced, that is asking big polluters to do more — way more — than Canadians, but Canadians also have a contribution. We all have a role to play,” he said.

The minister also recognized that many are struggling to make ends meet due to the rising cost of living, but he emphasized that low income and middle class Canadians will get the money from the carbon price increase back in their pockets.

“If we remove carbon pricing from the equation for individuals, people — eight out of 10 Canadian families will be worse …