The Spin:
Carole James claims she will eliminate the pollution tax on carbon emissions.
The Facts:
Carole James is misleading British Columbians and has plans to bring in an even higher, hidden carbon tax.
The Proof:
Her own climate change report calls for a “carbon tax at the source” that will “include a cost to consumers.”
Here’s the full story:
- While she claims to want to “axe the tax” what she doesn’t tell people is that her own June 2008 climate plan says on page four they would introduce a hidden “carbon tax at source”. Consumers will still have to pay it - it will just be hidden.
- Page five of that same report states, “All pricing models include a cost to consumers” and they cite Denmark as their model example – a jurisdiction that currently supports gas taxes that are TRIPLE those found in BC.
- Making matters worse, Carole James's flawed economic plan will have no choice but to claw back personal and business tax reductions that are funded by the BC Liberal carbon tax on pollution, meaning British Columbians would have less money to make choices.
The Bottom Line?
The Carole James NDP’s hidden carbon tax will mean billions more dollars in taxes on our industries that will kill jobs while passing costs down to consumers and families. And it will do nothing to address climate change.
When it comes to Carole James’s plan, David Suzuki said it best: “Axe the tax, my ass!” (Westender, July 3/08). He went further, saying “"I'm ashamed of Carole James and the NDP using 'axe the tax' as a political opportunity…. I know the people advising her know better." (Nanaimo Daily News, Sept. 25/08)
