Nova Scotia’s opposition leader says the Premier has only himself to blame when it comes to the carbon tax.

Liberal leader Zach Churchill says Tim Houston failed to negotiate an alternative pricing model with the feds.

Starting next summer, the federal tax will effect the price of gas, diesel and home heating fuel.

Churchill says it’s because the Houston government eliminated the cap-and-trade system.

“They didn’t take the time to negotiate the cap-and-trade system, which prices carbon, but also re-distributes money to help with efficiency programs,” says Churchill.

Nova Scotians will receive quarterly rebate checks to offset the cost.

But Churchill says it comes at a horrible time when inflation and the cost of living are big issues.

‘I’m concerned about it, because now people are going to be hit with higher prices at the pumps.”

Premier Disappointed With Feds

Yesterday, the Premier responded to the federal plan, saying he is disappointed with the move by the feds on the carbon tax.

Houston calls the timing of it incomprehensible.

The province asked Environment Minister Stephen Guiltbault to reconsider Tuesday night.

Nova Scotia submitted its own plan but it was rejected because it did not meet federal standards.