• CARBON TAX IN B.C.

British Columbia’s Liberal controlled government has decided to impose a “Carbon Tax” on its population just as the price of oil hit $100 per barrel. This tax grab presented by B.C.’s Finance Minister Carole Taylor was announced with the brilliant rationalization that this would improve the environment while keeping the economy strong. Now there’s an enlightened argument bound to catch on across North America. That should really stick it to those guys driving their S Class Benz 500’s and gas guzzling SUV’s. Oh, and don’t run out and buy a diesel if you live in B.C. because the tax applies to diesel, natural gas, coal, propane, and home heating oil.

The B.C. government’s argument doesn’t stop there. Ms. Taylor claims that B.C. will commit $1 billion over 4 years to fight “climate change”. . . that’s right Climate Change. They could have told their tax payers that they wanted to clean the air they breathe, but no, they’re telling them they’re going to fight Climate Change? This means what exactly? This absurd claim is one government’s version of jumping on the “green” wagon . . . more tax on the middle class that is already struggling to make ends meet.

The story gets even better. To really confuse the electorate, using a "watch-the-left-hand-while-I-stick-it-to-you-with-the-right-hand" trick, the B.C. government says it will provide low income earners an annual climate action credit of $100 per adult and $30 per child. The B.C. Liberal Cabinet and the likes of Ms. Taylor seem to take themselves very seriously and appear to believe that further taxing those who have been pushed out to distant burbs and whose long commutes are already complicating their lives, will be thrilled and grateful with a further convolution added to the tax code. They’re already paying the highest prices in North America, well over $4.00 a gallon, and most of that is taxes. What’s another nickel or two per liter?

There must be something in the B.C. water. Nowhere in its media is there any commotion about this absurd circus being led by Premier Campbell. By its government’s reckoning, B.C. should soon see its highways void of vehicles as its hard working middle class decides to “change the climate” and become more carbon conscious.

Given the B.C. government’s mismanagement and overspending on preparations for the 2010 Olympic games, it might consider a novel tax placed on real estate not owned by residents.

In the meantime - an easy prediction for this Carbon Tax: Other governments around North America won’t take B.C.’s lead. They would be too embarrassed.