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Tony Blair, Dion meet to discuss climate change ahead of carbon tax plan – Metro US

Tony Blair, Dion meet to discuss climate change ahead of carbon tax plan

TORONTO – Climate change was atop the agenda at a meeting Thursday between former British prime minister Tony Blair and Liberal Leader Stephane Dion.

The two met at a Toronto hotel, but wouldn’t take any questions from reporters.

Dion has been pushing a carbon tax proposal, which is expected to be a central plank in his party’s election platform.

He hasn’t revealed details of the plan, which is expected to be unveiled before the end of June.

Blair could offer Dion some advice; he introduced a “climate change levy” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from business in 2001 when he was prime minister.

NDP Leader Jack Layton says a federal carbon tax would punish consumers, particularly seniors and the poor, for buying essentials such as gas, home heating fuel and electricity.

Blair is scheduled to deliver a speech Thursday night at fundraising event for Toronto’s Women’s College Hospital.