NDP Leader Carole James has axed her call to scrap the carbon tax — one of the key elements of her recent election campaign — and says she’s now focusing on ways to make it fairer.
James made the announcement on Thursday after announcing her new shadow cabinet.
“The election is over and the tax is obviously here to stay,” James said. “Now it’s our job to make the (carbon) tax more effective.”
James said the NDP will be pressuring the province to support, among others, school districts and health authorities, which she said will also be hard-hit by the tax, especially given the economy.
The latter issue will be the focus of MLA Jenny Kwan — former Mental Health and Homelessness critic — whom James has appointed critic for small business, technology and economic development.
Kathy Corrigan will be taking on the Olympics portfolio and Shane Simpson, former environment critic, has been appointed to housing and development.
Adrian Dix is staying on as health services critic, as is Mike Farnworth who held on to the public safety portfolio.
“You can see that we have a team of experienced critics,” James said. “(Others) may be new to our caucus, but they’re not new to … speaking on behalf of their community.”
