Here’s an update sent to me from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation:
The Issue:
The federal government has signaled its intention to introduce a tax on carbon emissions. Although this plan was stopped by the Opposition parties last winter, a notice of intent for a carbon tax was deviously slipped into the Canada Gazette as a regulation, over the July 16th weekend.
What it means:
Described as a “Notice of Intent … to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gases over the long term,” key elements include:
i) Emission quotas set and regulated by the federal government;
ii) Companies forced to reduce their emissions; pay into a recognized technology investment fund; or purchase domestic or international “offset” credits; and
iii) Penalties for companies that exceed emissions based on a fine per excess tonne.Why be concerned?
- The Liberals have no Kyoto implementation plan, and are misleading Canadians about its costs. In the 2005 budget, the federal government stated that Kyoto would cost $5-billion. Seven weeks later the costs jumped 100% to $10-billion! (think really expensive gun registry);
- The Liberals are usurping democracy by introducing this tax through an order-in-council, which bypasses that little annoyance called a democratically elected Parliament; and
- A carbon tax will negatively affect all Canadians. Taxes on businesses mean lower wages, squeezed dividends and higher prices. Moreover, once this tax drifts through, it opens the door for more direct forms of taxation.
The more Canadians learn about Kyoto, its foolish assumptions, and its sky-rocketing costs, the less they like it. It is time for the federal government to come clean about Kyoto, its backdoor carbon tax, and the long term implications for businesses, consumers and taxpayers.
Who to contact:
Environment Minister Stephane Dion:
Demand his carbon tax be subject to a democratic vote in the Commons and that his government come clean on the cost of Kyoto implementation:
Telephone: (819) 997-1441
Fax: (819) 953-3457
Email: [email protected]Opposition Environment Critic Bob Mills:
Encourage him to blow the whistle!
Telephone: (613) 995-0590
Fax: (613) 995-6831
Email: [email protected]Kyoto Costs
Your CTF has been studying, costing and demanding clarity on the Kyoto Protocol since its inception. In 2002, your CTF released a commissioned report Counting the Costs: the Effects of the Federal Kyoto Strategy on Canadian Households revealing the average Canadian household would face $2,700 in higher taxes and costs by 2010. In February 2005, the study was revised upwards, the cost will now be $3,000 per year.
PTBC was founded by Mr. Johannesen in 2000.
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