National carbon tax is needed now

Re Carbon pricing, the national divider, Harper, May 9 Tim Harper is right, the biggest cloud of emissions hangs over the House of Commons and is obfuscating everyone’s judgment.

I always thought our elected MPs and MPPs were there to bring in legislation for the good of everyone in every part of the country — to work together to solve whatever crises arise, like the world did for the Ozone problem and the two world wars.

Canada signed on to the Paris agreement. It is long past time for the provinces and territories to ensure that they work with the federal government to meet our international commitments, or we are no longer a country.

We have a climate crisis and it is up to our representatives to represent their constituents who want a credible climate plan enacted.

Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission studies show carbon pricing is the most effective way to change behaviour, at the least cost.

And the most effective carbon pricing is revenue-neutral, with the money going back to the people to let them decide how to cut their carbon footprint. True market forces at work. A carbon fee and dividend will do just that. Or, put another way, cash back in everyone’s pocket. Who does not want that?

The time for debating/wrangling/arguing is over. It is time for action. Where are our leaders? Gord Cumming, Georgetown, Ont.