The Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association say the carbon tax announced recently in the provincial budget will substantially increase operating costs for provinces lodges and outfitters.

Paul Turenne, the Executive Director of the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association, says that the outdoor tourism industry is a heavy consumer of fossil fuels as they use it to power generators, boats, planes and quads. He added that they buy fuel by the barrel.

He added that here in the north it’s going to cost the industry more to do business since there aren’t many options when it comes to electric motors and other environmentally-friendly power sources.

Turenne noted other industrial users of fuel such as commercial fishing, agriculture, mining and forestry are being exempted from the carbon tax

He believes the outdoor tourism industry should be included with that group, pointing out their contribution to Manitoba’s rural and northern economy.