The Province of Manitoba released its Climate and Green Plan on Friday, which included a Made-in-Manitoba carbon pricing plan.

The province wants to implement a flat rate levy of $25 per tonne starting in 2018 and keep that rate going forward. The federal government wants to see that number rise to $50 per tonne by the year 2022. The province says its plan will save families and businesses over $260 million compared to the federal carbon tax over the next five years.

“Our Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan will cost less and reduce more than the made-in-Ottawa carbon tax,” said Premier Brian Pallister.  “Our lower carbon price respects the massive hydro investments Manitobans have made over decades to build one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world.”

The carbon levy will not be applied to marked fuels used by farmers for their farming operations.  Agricultural operations will also be able to contribute to carbon sequestration and offset trading systems to be established in Manitoba and other provinces.

"How the province justified that was...that farmers cannot pass on these costs and it was a great concern to the industry," said Keystone Agricultural Producers President Dan Mazier.

He noted farmers will end up paying more for their personal consumption.

“Our vision is to make Manitoba the cleanest, greenest and most climate-resilient province in Canada,” said Pallister.  “We are charting that course with a comprehensive plan based on Manitoba needs and focused on Manitoba priorities.”

The province will be accepting comments from the public until the end of November.