Carbon tax, here we go!

At least two major events are happening on July 1^st. Of course it is Canada day, but it is also the first day where the carbon tax will be effective in all British Columbia.

Consumers of gasoline will have to pay 2.4c more per liter of gasoline. This increase seems quite small compare with the 1.40$/L that we are currently paying at the pump. However, the carbon tax is a fundamental shift in the way we approach taxation. Taxing gasoline, and then green house gas emissions, finally recognize that our atmosphere is not a free dump and there is a cost associate with it. The tax is also revenue neutral for the government, and BC resident should receive a 100$ check per mail soon. The end result is that if you pollute less, you will pay less.

The irony is that a relatively conservative government had the courage to install this new tax. Filling up our cars is arguably part of our western culture and usually politicians are afraid of higher gasoline prices. Shamefully, the provincial NDP is working hard to derail the carbon tax. They are circulating a petition “Let’s axe the tax”. For a party who claim themselves “progressive”, pro-environement, it seems that the NDP is denying is own values for the sake of building cheap political support. Everyone dislike payings taxes. However carbon tax is unpleasant, but essential, like cleaning up your room, emptying your garbage cans, wash the bathroom, pay your credit card…

There are 2 Facebook groups supporting the carbon tax, please join them!

Lead the Way - Support BC's Carbon Tax!: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17834728353

BC needs a Carbon Tax: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=5044474509