Canada and the Comparative Politics of Carbon Taxes

Opposition to carbon taxation has been at the forefront of Canadian politics in recent years. However, Canada is not alone in its experience with carbon pricing. 

This lecture will summarize a book project comparing carbon tax politics over two decades in four countries: Canada, Australia, France, and Ireland. Although carbon taxes remain an uphill battle, international comparison yields insights concerning differences between consumer and industrial pricing, and opportunities for political leadership in different democratic institutions.

Kathryn Harrison is Professor of Political Science and McLean Family Chair in Canadian Studies at the University of British Columbia.

She received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering before completing her PhD in Political Science. Professor Harrison has worked in the oil industry and as a policy analyst for both Environment Canada and the United States Congress. She has served as Senior Associate Dean and Acting Dean in the UBC Faculty of Arts. Harrison has published widely on Canadian and US climate policy. She is chair of the Expert Advisory Panel on climate mitigation of the Canadian Climate Institute and a member of British Columbia’s Climate Solutions Council. Harrison is a frequent media commentator on climate policy.