Harper On Rising Energy Costs
Harpernomics Says
“At a time when Canadians are concerned about affordability and energy prices are rising, we should do what we can to lower prices. This (diesel) tax reduction will benefit consumers who buy virtually anything that moves by truck, train, ship or plane. The impact will be broad, whether consumer goods, produce or groceries trucked to facilities like this one. Whether young families trying to put food on the table or seniors on fixed incomes, reducing the tax on diesel will help Canadians and help the economy.”
Stephen Harper, Speech in Winnipeg, September 9, 2008
The Reality Is...
Everyone agrees this will do nothing to help the economy or help Canadians end their reliance on fossil fuels.
“The excise tax cut will do nothing to get more buses on the road or improve existing commuter rail service … New federal funding – not marginal tax cuts - are needed to help Canadians make the switch from cars to transit. The priority for transit systems are for new investments, not cuts to the fuel tax.”
Federation of Canadian Municipalities, News Release, September 9, 2008
“The Tories are positioning themselves as (though) tax cuts are basically the answer to any problem. It's at a time when climate change is a huge problem and we need action from governments, and Canadians expect governments to be taking action. This sends precisely the wrong signal, this is the opposite principle of the carbon tax, it's the more you burn, the more you save.”
Marc Lee, an economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Canadian Press, September 9, 2008
“This is unfathomably stupid. In one stroke, it takes two serious and pressing problems - the deteriorating fiscal situation and greenhouse gas emissions - and makes them both
worse.”
Economist Stephen Gordon, Worthwhile Canadian initiative, Blog of September 9, 2008