To the editor,
Some people for political gain spread misinformation about the carbon tax and the
increase that goes into effect Monday, April 8. On Monday, the carbon tax will be 23 per cent more than it is today. For example, the carbon tax on the propane we buy will go from about 10 cents per litre to about 12 cents per litre.
People with lower family incomes will usually get back about as much in rebates as they pay for carbon taxes on fuels, so they are not being taxed into poverty. Today the two most painful cost increases are the cost of housing due to rent inflation, overpriced housing, and high interest rates on mortgages and increased food costs due to weather related harm to crop production, increasing costs of growing and processing food, and higher profit margins charged by retailers. The carbon tax is one small part of the increased cost of food. Increasing profits for oil companies are never mentioned by people attacking the carbon tax for the increased costs of transportation.
There are three important reasons to keep the carbon tax. The first is to encourage people to reduce fuel consumption to slow the rate of carbon dioxide emissions. The second is to reduce fuel consumption to reduce health problems caused by the pollutants from burning fuels. All carbon-based fuels including wood and methane release a variety of pollutants harmful to human health. The third reason is to encourage people to reduce their fuel consumption to help them have more money to spend on other needs.
‘Axe the tax’ and ‘Spike the hike’ make catchy slogans. They do nothing to help the people who need help the most. We need to use clear thinking instead of emotional garbage to make our lives better.’Axe the tax and spike the hike make catchy slogans. They do nothing to help the people who need help the most. We need to use clear thinking instead of emotional garbage to make our lives better.
Sincerely,
Jim Kenney
