Canada Day Brings B.C. Automotive Cash Grab
Today marks Canada’s 141st anniversary. CTV reports that British Columbia’s motorists can now look forward to higher motoring costs. That’s right, Premier Gordon Campbell’s “carbon plan” goes into effect today, costing motorists an extra $0.024/L per fuel in carbon tax. According to Campbell, the plan is “revenue neutral;” any extra revenue will be offset by income tax cuts. The aim, of course, is to tax consumption rather than income, thereby providing an incentive to reduce fuel consumption. Obviously, some of the highest gas prices in the ten provinces (as B.C. has) were not enough. Despite assurance from Campbell, many British Columbians are weary. How can its provisions be enforced without earmarking funds and major transparency?