The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is concerned about what will happen once the federal carbon tax comes into effect in Newfoundland and Labrador starting July 1.

While residents will receive rebates several times a year to offset increased costs, businesses in other provinces like Ontario where the carbon tax has been in effect for some time have not received the rebates they’ve been promised.

CFIB Vice-President Atlantic Louis-Philippe Gauthier says the fear is that the added cost of doing business will have to be passed on to consumers if businesses don’t get some relief as well.

Premier Andrew Furey and his Atlantic Canadian counterparts have renewed their call for Ottawa to give special consideration to the impact the carbon tax will have on the region.

Meanwhile, the federal Labour Minister says they will find a way forward when it comes to the carbon tax.

St. John’s South-Mount Pearl MP Seamus O’Regan says the issue of climate change should be debated on its merits, and they will be working with the province moving forward.

Premier Andrew Furey pulled no punches on Your VOCM Mornings earlier this week following a meeting with his Atlantic Canadian counterparts in PEI.

Furey takes exception to Environment and Climate Change Minister ,Steven Guilbeault’s “insulting” approach to climate change mitigation and the impact the new tax will have on the cost of goods and services in this province.

O’Regan says the province and the federal government still have a great working relationship, as seen with the previous rate mitigation deal, and they will continue to work together.

He says he keeps telling his cabinet colleagues how important affordability is in the battle to lower emissions. He says Ottawa and Newfoundland and Labrador always seem to get the priorities right and they will find a way forward.