Canada’s approach to pollution pricing is not only one of the best ways to fight climate change—it also puts money back in the pockets of Canadians.

Starting on July 15, Canadians living in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta — provinces where the federal pollution pricing system applies — will receive the first quarterly CAI payment.

This quarterly delivery, which replaces an annual credit from previous years, will ensure that Canadians receive payments on a more regular basis. The first payment will be a "double-up" payment that will return proceeds from the first two quarters of the 2022‒23 year (April–June, and July–September). Quarterly payments will follow in October 2022 and January 2023. Canadians can register for direct deposit to ensure that payment is fast, convenient and secure.

For the 2022‒23 fiscal year, a family of four will receive $745 in Ontario, $832 in Manitoba, $1,101 in Saskatchewan, and $1,079 in Alberta. Families in rural and small communities are eligible to receive an extra 10 percent. Full details on quarterly payment amounts for individuals and families in 2022‒23 are specified on the Climate Action Incentive payment webpage.

The quarterly CAI payment comes alongside the recently announced Affordability Plan, which sets out measures to address inflation and make life more affordable for millions of Canadians. Thanks to this plan, the Government of Canada will improve support provided to Canadians through a suite of measures including the Canada Workers Benefit, Early Learning and Child Care, Dental Care, Old Age Security, and Housing Affordability.

Quick facts

• To protect Canadians from the dangers and costs presented by climate change, and to ensure that Canada continues to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, the Government of Canada introduced a price on carbon pollution across Canada in 2019.
• Pricing carbon pollution is the most efficient policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive clean innovation. It creates a financial incentive for businesses and households to decide for themselves how best to reduce their emissions.
• The Government of Canada does not keep any direct proceeds from carbon pollution pricing. All direct proceeds are returned to the province or territory of origin.
• In jurisdictions where the federal pollution pricing system applies, eight out of ten families get more back through the Climate Action Incentive payment.
• The Climate Action Incentive payment is designed to increase each year to align with the increasing price on carbon pollution.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Climate Action Incentive payment amounts for 2022‒23
• Backgrounder: Delivering Climate Action Incentive Payments Quarterly
• News release: Government announces Climate Action Incentive Payments for 2022‒23

Associated links

• Canada Revenue Agency: Climate Action Incentive payment
• 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
• How carbon pricing works
• Carbon pollution pricing systems across Canada