Support growing for Alta. carbon tax: poll

Nearly two years after it was introduced, more Albertans agree with the province’s carbon levy program.

People who are receiving its rebate cheques are more approving, not surprisingly.

But a new survey shows apart from Edmonton residents, a majority of Albertans remain opposed to the government’s approach to reducing carbon emissions.

And people who’d vote for the United Conservative Party are the most strongly opposed.

“It’s a horribly politicized issue,” says Lethbridge College political scientist Faron Ellis.

“Everyone has been propagandized at an exorbitant level.”

And while Albertans’ support has definitely been growing — 32.7 per cent in 2016, 45 per cent today — he says the number who are “strongly opposed” remains above 38 per cent. But that’s down from 52.5 per cent two years ago.

“Over time, Albertans seem to be getting used to it.”

Ellis’ comments follow the release of results of a provincewide survey by the Citizen Society Research Lab at the college. It found just 19.7 per cent of UPC supporters support the program, vs. 77.6 per cent of New Democratic Party supporters.

Provincial Liberals are also in favour (70.5 per cent) and so are many (55.8 per cent) of those polled who said they’d vote for the Alberta Party. Overall support was highest in Edmonton (53.7 per cent) and lowest in other areas of northern Alberta (at 36.4 per cent).

But right across the province, support for the program — which uses the levy’s income to assist carbon emission reduction measures in industry and communities while also sending rebate cheques to lower-income Albertans — varies widely by age.

More than 55 per cent of Albertans in the 18 to 29 age group agreed with the carbon levy program, Ellis points out, as well as 47.9 per cent in the next age group, up to 44. It’s the older people polled who remain more strongly opposed.

“I would suggest it’s the rebates kicking in” that have made the program more popular with younger Albertans, who aren’t likely the top earners.

With younger Canadians voting in greater numbers, Ellis suggests, outspoken opposition to the carbon levy is no guarantee of success for UPC party leader Jason Kenney.

“The ‘outrage’ is not as widespread as people at the Kenney, (Doug) Ford rally might indicate.”

And more Albertans are seeing its benefit.

Says Ellis, “If the NDP had three more years before the next election, this could be a winner for them.”

The Citizen Society Research Lab study, conducted early this month, obtained the views of 1,364 adult Albertas in all parts of the province. The weighted sample is believed to be accurate within 2.65 per cent, plus or minus, 19 times out of 20.