The clock is ticking on job-killing carbon tax

The arrogance and secrecy of the Dwight Ball government and its high tax agenda is getting worse. Other provinces are standing up against Trudeau’s carbon tax. What do the Ball Liberals have to say? Nothing.

That’s right, nothing. Worse, when they do talk, they keep hiding their secret plans for a tax.

By Sept. 1, the provinces must inform the Government of Canada how they plan to reduce carbon emissions. Trudeau is threatening to impose a carbon tax that will drive up the price of gasoline, increase the cost of heat for our homes and raise the price of almost everything we buy. It will cost every household in Newfoundland and Labrador hundreds of dollars a year and will seriously damage our economy.

So what is the Ball government planning for Sept. 1? They refuse to say.

Back in May, Minister Andrew Parsons said there is no rush to publicly reveal their plans and they were waiting to see what the new government in Ontario would be doing. We have heard nothing since.

What are other governments

What are other governments doing while this one won’t tell us their plans for a carbon tax? Growing numbers are standing up to Ottawa. Prince Edward Island has a Liberal government. Its environment minister says they are “fighting for Islanders” and have their own plan to reduce carbon that “doesn’t require a tax.” Saskatchewan has launched legal action against Ottawa. Manitoba has told the federal government to “back off or we’ll see you in court.” The new Ontario PC government is standing up to Ottawa, too, and is joining Saskatchewan’s lawsuit challenging the carbon tax.

doing while this one won’t tell us their plans for a carbon tax? Growing numbers are standing up to Ottawa. Prince Edward Island has a Liberal government. Its environment minister says they are “fighting for Islanders” and have their own plan to reduce carbon that “doesn’t require a tax.” Saskatchewan has launched legal action against Ottawa. Manitoba has told the federal government to “back off or we’ll see you in court.” The new Ontario PC government is standing up to Ottawa, too, and is joining Saskatchewan’s lawsuit challenging the carbon tax.

The Ball Liberals are arrogant and secretive because they refuse to reveal their plans.

They act as though they know better than hardworking Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. They behave as though they have a right to make decisions for the rest of us without consultation. They expect everyone to quietly follow along so they can hit us with another major tax increase that we can’t afford.

The clock is ticking for this secretive, high-tax government. Tell us your plan.

Barry Petten, MHA District of Conception Bay South Opposition Environment Critic See related letter, page B5