Dion may champion carbon tax

“As a former environment minister, as a leadership candidate, and as a leader of the opposition who has staked so much on the environment, any backing away on his convictions is going to be seen as something which tests his own credibility.”

The idea was rejected 10 years ago by former prime minister Jean Chretien in the midst of his three consecutive majority governments, but Liberal leader Stephane Dion now appears to be banking on a carbon tax ... via National Post

[cici]

There is no question that it is important to address climate change. Most Canadians recognize that we need to transition to a greener economy and lifestyle. But a carbon tax that will increase the cost of gas, heating and food will have a disproportionate adverse effect on low income and working Canadians.

The Liberal plan won't be as effective because there are no hard caps on carbon intensive industries which make up over half of GHG emissions in Canada.

The NDP has a plan that will cap industrial emissions, it will allow carbon intensive industries to trade emissions and will hold industries accountable if they surpass their caps. The money generated from those penalties will in turn be used to offset the costs of going green for our economy and for individual Canadians through a variety of programs that will help with greening our infrastructure, for helping Canadians retrofit their homes, for more and better public transit.

The NDP plan will be effective and will not force those who can least afford it, shoulder the economic burden of climate change. Do Canadians need to take personal responsibility and change their behaviour, of course. But most Canadians will not be able to buy a hybrid,AND retrofit their windows, AND furnaces, AND install solar or wind, AND get all new appliances, in order to avoid the increased costs that will inevitably come from the Liberal Party's plan.

Well off Canadians can afford to keep polluting. Those who can't afford it may get a cheque once or a few times a year but how will that make it easier on someone on a fixed income or Canadian families who already have to juggle mortgage, car, food costs and the costs of raising kids. These costs are not yearly or quarterly, they are the day to day costs of living.

[mr Giblets]

I see that you have world-class nutjobs in Canada! There has been NO climate change for 10 years now. can't you see it is a big scam to get more taxes out of you? Does the cold in Canada freeze up your brains?

[Barrie Tax Payer]

cici,

Thats what I am wondering. How the heck are we going to heat our homes this winter!