Level playing field needed on carbon tax
Re: Coalition lobbies for higher carbon tax, March 8
To set the record straight, B. C. cement companies have been subject to the province’s carbon tax since its introduction in 2008.
It may surprise many, however, to learn that cement imported into B. C. is not subject to the carbon tax.
As the carbon tax has increased, imports of cement ( largely from Asia) have increased more than five- fold to about 40 per cent.
In addition to a loss in local economic activity, this has meant an overall increase in global CO2 emissions from trans- Pacific shipping, but also because it has displaced production from Canadian cement plants, which are among the most efficient in the world.
The cement sector in Canada supports strong action on climate change. We want to be part of the solution and recognize that pricing carbon incentivizes innovation.
For this system to work, however, it needs to be inclusive of all market participants, including importers.
Levelling the playing field is essential to securing real reductions in carbon emissions, not just shifting them to other parts of the world.
When proposing major changes to something as significant as the carbon tax, it’s important to get the facts straight – come talk with us, we’re proactive partners in B. C.’ s climate change leadership. MICHAEL MCSWEENEY President and CEO, Cement Association of Canada