NBers oppose carbon tax: premier
Published Wednesday August 20th, 2008
Graham won't comment on proposal until tax reform report released
He's not saying it will happen, he's not saying it won't happen.
What Premier Shawn Graham is saying is that he's fully aware of the reaction some have given this summer to his government's proposed carbon tax.
"Very clearly, New Brunswickers are not in agreement, from what we've heard from the consultations held to date," Graham said yesterday.
However, the premier is remaining mum on what exactly will come of the proposal, only saying that all reaction has been noted.
"Our government is attentive to that but we'll only be (able to give) a proper response to the actual committee report when we hear it later this fall."
Nine MLAs who are members of the Select Committee on Tax Review listened to the presentations across the province last month, many slamming the proposed gas tax. They will come back with a report on their findings this fall.
One vocal critic of the proposed gas tax has been the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, based in Dieppe.
"It would just spell the end of business as we know it, especially for New Brunswick," said Peter Nelson, executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, in an interview with the Times & Transcript last month. "It would take away any competitive advantage we had."
The federal Liberals' proposed gas tax is also getting attention in New Brunswick as there's a possibility of both taxes being coupled.
When Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in New Brunswick last week, he dubbed Liberal leader Stephane Dion's Green Shift plan the 'green shaft,' which would hurt Atlantic Canada in particular.
For his part, Dion said a carbon gas tax isn't as risky as some would make it out to be, since it has already been implemented in other countries.
In addition, Dion said the policy taxes less on what one would want more of: savings, investments and profits, while taxing more what you want less of: pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and waste.
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Comments (12)
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Some of us are okay with it - as long as it is set up properly.
Carbon tax may not be such a bad thing but emissions trading is a more worthy program.
PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY is what is needed, perhaps this can be accomplished soon before the next provincial and federal elections.
Change is what is needed, now not later when it is too late. DEMOCRACY IS NOT FREE. INVEST IN IT NOW.
HAVE YOUR ELECTED MEMBERS LISTEN TO YOU AND TAKE ACTION. IT IS YOUR DEMOCRACY. USE IT OR LOSE IT.
(JOE BONNEVIE MONCTON)
Also, if you're going to tax carbon-rich activities and products, you better provide adequate non-carbon alternatives to everyone, so everyone can at least make the choice. Quite frankly, I don't think we're there yet.
Through a carbon tax, New Brunswick has the opportunity to pool tax revenues into a carbon fund that can be used to launch new and innovative business enterprises that are increasingly becoming the homestay of a green economy. Some of these include the development and manufacturing of low carbon transportation and renewable energy. If New Brunswick is going to claim higher status in Canada economically then the best way to do this is by keeping tax dollars in New Brunsiwck and using for initiatives that will benefit New Brunswickers.
It's time to take a leadership role because following isn't working!
The price of gas already is a massive deterrent. And, once the truckers start having to pay more, the costs of all goods will increase even more.
Our family owns one small car and we only drive when necessary. Our city has decided it isn't important to provide bus service to our well-populated subdivision - a two mile walk each way doesn't encourage public transit. Increase public transit and people will drive less.
Our family of three lives on less than $30,000 a year - we just can't afford to be paying more. And, if any money is going into the public coffers it is just a slap in the face - it has nothing to do with being green.
..increase the cost of all groceries, clothes..anything that comes
from out of province.
---the cost of living will sky-rocket.
tax cuts on savings & investments you say. who has savings or
investments when it will cost more to live.
--also a carbon tax that doesn't actually cut back on carbon
emmissions is kind of stupid..don't you think?
Short term pain for long term gain is required in this case.
Further, recycling of revenues can be aimed at whatever the government (through consultation with the public) desires. It could be infrastucture, a solar panel on everyone's roof etc.. we can use our imagination and work out what will be feasible.
NBer's can collect carbon tax revenues now or have someone else collect them for you (Federal government or Alberta government).
As for cutting back on carbon dioxide emissions- have we not seen a decrease in the purchase of SUV's and large trucks as a result of $130 barrel oil? People respond to high prices!
Develop the green alternatives, then tax carbon if you want. But don't ask me to fund new development when you can't manage the money I already give you. I'm cynical, I know, but not without reason