Perhaps we can’t handle the truth
Dear Editor:
In his April 19 column, South Okanagan-West Kootnenay MP Richard Cannings thought it was time to take another look at all the misinformation being thrown around. In other words, let’s “Facts the Tax.”
At the best, he’s dealing with a strange social groupthink fermented by conservative actors dealing in misinformation, disinformation, and lies of omission.
John Thompson frequently states “Statistics Canada data shows that fuel usage in B.C., and therefore carbon emissions, is essentially unchanged over the last 16 years.” He does not want to tell you that our population grew 25% in that period, nor does he want to tell you that our gross gasoline consumption peaked in 2016, long before COVID.
Our per capita ghg emissions drop was so remarkable that Sylvain Charlebois, the self-titled “Food Professor”, used it as an example of the effectiveness of the cap and trade method of carbon pricing as late as Nov. 4, 2023. Charlebois, a firm opponent of the carbon tax, then stopped mentioning B.C.’s success. Someone must have told him we use the carbon tax, not cap and trade.
Thomson also wants us to believe that the only carbon tax rebate in B.C. is the low income tax credit. He conveniently forgets the:
• Personal Income Tax rate cut
• Small Business Tax rate cut.
• Targeted personal tax credits and refunds like the Clean Buildings Tax Credit, and the Climate Action Tax Credit,
• Greenhouse Grower carbon tax exemption,
• Sales Tax Elimination on electricity
• Healthcare Premium elimination.
The above benefits far outweigh the carbon tax that I pay.
Now Thompson wants us to believe there is no connection between wildfires and the changing climate. For a wildfire to breakout you need a number of factors; fuel, ignition source and conditions. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states, “Climate change, including increased heat, extended drought, and a thirsty atmosphere, has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires”.
While Mr. Cannings and I frequently try to “Facts the Tax”, misinformation, disinformation and lies seem to prevail. Perhaps we can’t handle the truth.
David Flater Okanagan Falls