I have been asked by rural communities surrounding Thunder Bay why they do not qualify for the Canada Carbon Rebate Rural Supplement. I would like to answer that question and share how I am working to fix this.

I have heard from residents of places like Neebing, O'Connor Township, South Gillies, and Kakabeka Falls about how they do not qualify for the Canada Carbon Rebate Rural Supplement. Residents of rural areas are entitled to an additional 20% through the Canada Carbon Rebate, and I have repeatedly been asked why these communities, that are clearly rural, are not included in the definition and the additional rebate.

I felt it was time to address these concerns publicly, and to provide an update for those who have been following my office’s progress on this issue. I am happy to say that after a lot of advocacy, the Federal Government has promised to introduce new definitions for urban and rural by the end of the year. My office has been asked to take the lead in proposing a new definition and collecting feedback from rural MPs across Canada.

The change I have proposed has gained the overwhelming support of rural MPs from across the country, including from Ministers and senior members of our government. The new definition I have proposed uses a measure based on population density, meaning small towns and rural areas will no longer be counted as a part of the city they are close to. This change should result in a fairer, more reasonable definition of rural, that should mean that residents who lack access to natural gas and public transit will be getting the rebate they deserve. Rural residents receive an additional $224 on average from the carbon rebate, compared to urban residents.

While the Department of Finance will ultimately decide what the final definition looks like, I am excited to share the work I have done up to this point. I have been hearing the concerns about this issue from people in our riding, I want to assure you that I have put a great deal of time and effort toward solving this problem, and I will not stop until this fix gets over the line.