Is carbon pricing a politically feasible climate policy? What research says

Research suggests the Liberals may be fighting a losing battle when it comes to carbon pricing.

It was supposed to do the heavy lifting for Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions targets.

And it was supposed to remain a major part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s legacy, both at home and abroad — part of an urgent global push to fight climate change.

But instead of fulfilling those Liberal hopes, carbon pricing has become a significant political liability.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s crusade against the consumer carbon price and his promise to “axe the tax” should he win the next election has resonated with many Canadians amidst an affordability crisis.

The Tory leader has blamed the climate policy for driving up the cost of food and fuel, while dismissing or ignoring its purported benefits, including consumer rebates.

The government has struggled to respond to the Conservatives’ attacks, despite the carbon price enjoying widespread support among economists.

Did the Liberals drop the ball?

Or was the policy always destined for failure?