The MP for the Long Range Mountains says she understands the stress Canadians are under as the cost of living rises, but the new federal clean fuel regulations are necessary to address climate change.

Gudie Hutchings, recently appointed as the Minister Responsible for ACOA, says the impact and cost of the tax is real for Atlantic Canadians, but the impact and cost of climate change is even greater.

Hutchings, on VOCM Open Line with Tim Powers, pointed to the toll recent extreme weather events have had on the region.

She says disasters like Hurricane Fiona and the fires in Nova Scotia cost billions of dollars, which is money the government cannot put back into programs.