Carbon tax unpopular
It will be interesting to see the effect that the upcoming increase in the carbon tax will have on Canadians. Most Canadians are struggling to survive financially. Although they probably would not want to admit it to their friends, they are now part of a nation that is fighting to make it from paycheque to paycheque. It has been estimated that 52 per cent of Canadians would have trouble meeting an unexpected $200 expense. That is how serious the financial situation is for over half of the nation.
Into this reality we have the unreality of a government that continuously hikes the carbon tax creating a situation that will only make things worse and press people into oblivion in the two areas where it counts most: gas and food.
Seven out of 10 provincial premiers, including a Liberal premier, have called for the suspension of the tax or its ban. Even the Nova Scotia Liberal opposition has supported this, demonstrating how desperately both politicians and citizens want relief from the ever escalating taxation we all suffer from. Everyone can see the difficulties ahead, but apparently, the discontent of the people means little to the federal government. In the end, though, things are clear. If this is not yet a quorum of the people concerning the carbon tax it is quickly becoming one.
The government’s response? Defiance, and accusations that the Liberal premier of Newfoundland and Labrador is bowing to “political pressure” in coming out against the carbon tax increase. This is at best an inaccurate reading of the will of the Canadian people, at worst the willful disregard of our concerns. Either way it is both inadequate and disdainful and something we cannot afford as we move forward.
Perry Foster
Duncan