FREDERICTON -- New Brunswick's Progressive Conservative leader says, if he's elected premier, his government will introduce a carbon plan, not a carbon tax.

Blaine Higgs says New Brunswickers can't afford to pay 12 cents more a litre at the pumps, or more for necessities like heat and groceries.

Higgs says he's committed to joining other provinces including Saskatchewan and Ontario to stop the federal carbon tax through a court challenge.

He says if Liberal Leader Brian Gallant was really serious about fighting the carbon tax he would do the same.

Gallant has proposed redirecting a portion of existing gas taxes to a climate fund, but the federal government has yet to say if they'd approve it.

Higgs says leadership means standing up for the province, even if it means standing up to the prime minister.