Province's climate-change stance a shame, Trudeau says during St. Stephen stop

As New Brunswickerswait for Monday to see the consequences of afederally imposed carbon tax, Prime MinisterJustinTrudeau was met by a supportive crowdin St. Stephen on Thursday at a public meeting with seniors to discuss the federal budget.

The GarcelonCivic Centre was full, as the largely elderly crowd greeted Trudeau with applause.

Later, when speaking to reporters, Trudeau emphasized the necessity of a carbon tax to fight climate change.

The tax was imposed on New Brunswick after the province refused to come up with its own carbon pricing plan.

When asked if he had any regrets about how the carbon tax struggle was handled between the province and federal government, Trudeausaid, "I regret that the government of New Brunswick doesn'tthink that putting a price on pollution is important."

Trudeaualso called out Progressive Conservative governments that have resisted the carbon tax. New Brunswick has joined Saskatchewan, Ontario and Manitoba in challenging the tax in court.

"We know climate change is real," Trudeau said. "We know one of the challenges we have is that pollution has been free.

"It's a shame that the Conservative governments not just here but across the country don't think fighting climate change is a priority."