Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called on opposition premiers to propose reliable alternatives to the federal carbon tax increase.

Trudeau wrote to seven premiers who called on Ottawa to stop the imminent increase in federal fees or cancel the program altogether on Tuesday.

In his letter, the Prime Minister pointed out that the governments of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador have not presented suitable alternatives to federal support.

The letter stated: "When we last dealt with the provinces and territories on this matter in 2022, not all of your governments proposed alternative systems or ... proposed systems that do not meet the minimum emission reduction standards."

The federal policy – which includes a tax on fossil fuels and rebates paid directly to households – was introduced by the Liberal government in 2019. It was designed as a financial incentive to encourage people and businesses to reduce their fossil fuel consumption and switch to greener fuels or forms of energy.

Canadians living in the eight provinces where the federal carbon tax applies receive quarterly rebate payments that vary by province and household size.

Trudeau noted in his letter that Quebec, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories all have their own systems and are not subject to the federal tax.

He wrote, "We remain open to proposals related to reliable systems that set pollution prices and reflect the unique realities of your regions and meet national standards."

The carbon price is scheduled to rise from $65 to $80 per ton on Monday.

Four premiers – including Danielle Smith of Alberta, Scott Moe of Saskatchewan, Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, and Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick – wrote to the House of Commons finance committee requesting to appear and speak about the carbon tax.

Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre pledged to repeal the tax if he forms a government after the next election.

The Conservatives issued a statement on Tuesday supporting the idea of premiers appearing before the committee.

The statement said: "Conservatives believe it is Parliament’s duty to listen to Canadians on matters of national importance."

Poilievre also intensified pressure on the government to stop what he calls the "April tax hike lie."

The Conservatives proposed a vote of no confidence on the carbon tax in the House of Commons last week, which, if passed, would have toppled the Liberal government and triggered an election. The Liberals survived the vote with support from the Bloc Quebecois and the New Democratic Party.