The Manitoba government is launching a legal challenge against the federal government's decision to impose a carbon tax on Manitobans starting April 1, 2019.

“Last year, our government received legal advice the federal government has the constitutional power to impose a carbon tax, but only on provinces that do not implement plans of their own,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “The result was our Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, which is better for Manitoba’s economy, and better for our environment.”

Pallister adds there was no justification for the federal government to have rejected Manitoba’s plan while approving less effective plans from other provinces.

Under the federal plan, Manitoba's farmers are exempt from paying the tax on fuel used on the farm.