The Ontario government is introducing legislation that, if passed, would allow for a referendum before implementing a new provincial carbon pricing program.

The law would give Ontario voters a direct say over a new provincial carbon tax, cap-and-trade system or other carbon pricing program.

“With the Bank of Canada’s high interest rates and the cost of living still so high, it’s never been more important to keep costs down for people and businesses,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I’ve always said, the carbon tax is the worst tax. It increases the cost of everything. We need to protect Ontario workers and families from the high cost of a carbon tax and we urge the federal government to do the same.”

The Ontario government, and other provinces, want the feds to apply the same carve out on home heating that was provided to Atlantic Canadian provinces, or to eliminate the federal carbon tax entirely.

In a release, the Province says the measure is part of upcoming legislation, The Get It Done Act, that will kick off the spring sitting of the legislature on February 20th.

The government says it will include a host of measures “that would build on the government’s commitments to date to streamline approvals for major infrastructure projects and housing, keep costs down for people and businesses and support economic growth for long-term prosperity.”