Albertans have their new NDP government to thank for further increases to their cost of living. It’s going to cost more to heat one’s house, to eat, to drive, and to clothe one’s self, and all so our government can tout a climate change strategy that really won’t accomplish much.
Premier Rachel Notley wants to lead Alberta to the green promise land. But to do that, she needs about $3 billion a year, which is easy to find when everyone pays more tax. Energy and environmental leaders are calling Notley’s plan a “game changer” that will make Alberta a global leader in fighting climate change. Regular Albertans will soon come to know this as a game changer too. They’ll notice a seven-cent increase per litre at the gas pumps by 2018. It will translate into an extra $320 per household in 2017, which will rise again in 2018 to $470. The $3 billion raised from these hikes will go into building green infrastructure and public transit, says the NDP. Some of the revenues will be turned into a rebate for 60 per cent of lower income Albertans. What incentive will these Albertans have to reduce their carbon footprint if they’ll receive a rebate?
If Albertans are to pay more, what’s in it for the environment? Alberta’s overall carbon emissions will be allowed to actually grow. The new cap on oilsands emissions is so high that the oilsands will be able to grow another 43 per cent. It is worth noting that Notley’s plan doesn’t meet the 15-year target set out by the former Harper government which states that greenhouse gas emissions would be cut by 30 per cent below 2005 levels. It’s no wonder industry stakeholders are singing Notley’s praises.
This new round of taxes comes on the heels of Notley’s first foray into Alberta’s economy when she introduced a 32-per-cent phased-in increase to the minimum wage. She also introduced a corporate tax hike from 10 per cent to 12 per cent and an increase in personal taxes. Notley also believed it was high time for a royalty review, creating further uncertainty to an already battered industry that has shed tens of thousands of jobs. Through all of this, she saw nothing wrong with borrowing money to fund her government’s operations, and nothing wrong with refusing to ask her union brethren to share in the pain the rest of Albertans must endure; no revisiting union contracts, no layoffs and no wage freezes.
There is no disputing the science behind climate change. While it is laudable Alberta wants to take a lead role on the issue, it cannot do so in isolation. China, India, the United States, Russia and Iran are among the largest carbon dioxide emitters in the world, and they have little or no regulation. Alberta’s approach on climate change will leave all Albertans with less money, and that’s the start of the domino effect. There will be less money spent in the economy, placing increased economic pressure on businesses, which will result in further job loss. All for a climate change strategy that will not have a material impact on the climate.
