The B.C. New Democrats are turning down the heat on their opposition to Premier Gordon Campbell's carbon tax, NDP Leader Carole James said Thursday.

The NDP's opposition to the government's year-old carbon tax was a central focus of the recent provincial election campaign in which the Campbell Liberals were re-elected to a third straight mandate.

The New Democrats said the tax was not fair to rural and remote B.C. residents and it did little to change people's environmental habits. James promised to scrap the tax if elected.

But now the NDP will focus on ensuring the carbon tax is fair to all British Columbians, said James.

"The election is over with and I said the tax is here to stay, now it's our job to make that tax more effective and more fair," she said. "That's the work we'll be doing."

She appointed Victoria New Democrat Rob Fleming as her new environment critic. Fleming replaces Shane Simpson, who will become the NDP's housing and social development critic.

The NDP's opposition to the carbon tax cost the party support from some members of the environmental movement during the recent election.

Prominent B.C. environmentalists David Suzuki, Tzeporah Berman and climate scientist Andrew Weaver said they could not support the NDP because of its opposition to the carbon tax and urged voters to support other environment friendly parties.

The carbon tax is part of the Liberal government's plan to reduce greenhouse gases in British Columbia by one-third by 2020.

Since last July, the government has added about 2.4 cents per litre on fuel costs, including gasoline. The carbon tax is set to increase by 50 per cent on July 1.

The appointment of Fleming is one of several changes James announced to her shadow cabinet.

She said her new critics will hold Campbell's Liberals to account for promises made during the May election campaign.

James said the Opposition's critics will be looking for signs the government is planning to cut public services to meet budget targets.

Campbell announced his new cabinet Wednesday, including seven rookie politicians and changed portfolios for several veteran ministers.

James said she's kept several veterans in their posts, but moved others.

Adrian Dix remains as health critic and Bruce Ralston stays on as finance critic. Mike Farnworth remains as critic for public safety and solicitor general.

Changes include moving Bob Simpson from forests to aboriginal relations and Nicholas Simons to deputy critic for housing and social development from children and families.

Newcomer Dawn Black, a former federal NDP MP, was appointed critic for advanced education and labour market development.