Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today. As a result, many countries have implemented policies and programs to combat climate change, and Canada is no exception. One such policy is the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP), which was introduced in Canada in 2019. 

This payment encourages Canadians to reduce their carbon footprint by using energy-efficient products and practices. The payment is intended to ensure that the costs associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions do not fall disproportionately on low and middle-income households.

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Key Highlights

• Introduced in 2019, the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) is an effort to encourage Canadians to reduce their total carbon footprint and utilize sustainable products.
• Only residents of Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are eligible to receive CAIP benefits for the 2022 income tax year.
• Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island residents will be included in the CAIP program as of July 2023.

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What is the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) in Canada?

According to the Government of Canada, “the CAIP is a tax-free amount paid to help individuals and families offset the cost of federal pollution pricing.” In a nutshell, the CAIP is a payment made by the Canadian government to residents of provinces that have not implemented a carbon pricing system. The CAIP is available to residents of Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

The amount of payment varies depending on the province and the number of people in the household. For example, in Ontario, a family of four would receive $648 per year, while a single adult would receive $224 per year. In Saskatchewan, a family of four would receive $904 per year, while a single adult would receive $305 per year.

The CAIP is intended to be revenue-neutral, meaning that the money collected from the carbon pricing system is returned to residents as an incentive payment. This is intended to help ensure that the costs associated with the carbon pricing system do not disproportionately affect low and middle-income households.

The federal fuel charge will only come into effect as of July 1, 2023, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Residents of these provinces will receive three quarterly payments (July 2023, October 2023, and January 2024) in the first year and four payments in the year(s) after that.

Am I eligible for the CAIP? 

To be eligible for the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP), you must be a resident of one of the eligible provinces: Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, or Alberta. Additionally, you must have filed a tax return for the previous year, be 19 years or older, and have a valid social insurance number.

The amount of the payment is based on the number of people in your household, and it is intended to help offset the increased costs associated with the federal carbon pricing system. If you are eligible, you will automatically receive the payment when you file your income tax return.

What If I Am New to Canada? 

If you are new to Canada, you may still be eligible for the Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP). To be eligible, you must have filed a tax return for the previous year and meet the other eligibility criteria. However, if you arrived in Canada after January 1st of the previous year, you may only be eligible for a prorated amount of the payment.

The Government of Canada states that if you have children, you must fill out and sign form “RC66.” You must also complete form “RC66SCH.”

If you do not have children, meanwhile, fill out and sign form “RC151.”

Amounts for the Current Benefit Year (2022-2023)

The Government of Canada states that “for those provinces that do not meet the federal stringency requirements — Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta — approximately 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through CAIP payments. The other 10 percent is used to support small businesses, farmers, and Indigenous groups.”

Beginning in July 2022, payments will commence with a dual payment, which will provide returns for the first two quarters of the 2022-23 fuel charge year, April to June and July to September. 

Following this, single quarterly payments will be made in October 2022 and January 2023. Despite the fact that individuals will no longer receive CAIP via their tax returns, they must still file a return to be eligible for the quarterly payments.

Here are the annual payment details for the 2022 tax year, broken down by province and type of payment according to the Government of Canada.

Ontario

• $488 for an individual
• $244 for a spouse or common-law partner
• $122 per child under 19
• $244 for the first child in a single-parent family

Manitoba

• $528 for an individual
• $264 for a spouse or common-law partner
• $132 per child under 19
• $264 for the first child in a single-parent family

Saskatchewan

• $680 for an individual
• $340 for a spouse or common-law partner
• $170 per child under 19
• $340 for the first child in a single-parent family

Alberta

• $772 for an individual
• $386 for a spouse or common-law partner
• $193 per child under 19
• $386 for the first child in a single-parent family

As of July 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia residents will be able to receive the following quarterly CAIP benefits. 

Newfoundland and Labrador

• $164 for an individual
• $82 for a spouse or common-law partner
• $41 per child under 19
• $82 for the first child in a single-parent family

Prince Edward Island

• $120 for an individual
• $60 for a spouse or common-law partner
• $30 per child under 19
• $60 for the first child in a single-parent family

Nova Scotia

• $124 for an individual
• $62 for a spouse or common-law partner
• $31 per child under 19
• $62 for the first child in a single-parent family

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Canadian government’s commitment to addressing climate change through policies like the CAIP demonstrates the country’s dedication to ensuring a sustainable future for all. By encouraging Canadians to reduce their carbon footprint, Canada is taking a step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment.

Supporting individuals and households in adopting sustainable practices is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for all. The program is an excellent example of the Canadian government’s commitment to sustainability and serves as a model for other countries to follow.

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