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carbon pricing

Wednesday March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025 by Graeme MacKay
Wednesday March 19, 2025

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday March 19, 2025

Pierre Poilievre’s Plan to Undo Carbon Pricing: A Step Backward for Canada’s Climate Commitment

The escalating impacts of climate change, symbolized by metaphorical "Four Horsemen" including extreme heat gripping continents from North America to Asia, underscore the urgent need for global action to mitigate rising temperatures and their profound consequences on human health, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

June 20, 2024

As the climate crisis intensifies, countries around the world are working hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet international targets. Many progressive industrial nations have adopted carbon pricing as a crucial part of their strategy to combat climate change. However, Pierre Poilievre’s plan to eliminate carbon pricing in Canada risks reversing the progress we’ve made and could harm our reputation on the global stage.

Carbon pricing is an important tool that encourages businesses to cut emissions by making it cost-effective to invest in cleaner technologies. By putting a price on carbon emissions, we motivate companies to adopt greener practices, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the economy. Poilievre’s opposition to this approach shows a reluctance to embrace the necessary steps for a sustainable future for Canadians.

News: Net zero by 2050 ‘impossible’ for UK, says Badenoch

July 21, 2022

A worrying trend among conservative leaders is emerging globally, as highlighted by Kemi Badenoch’s recent comments in the UK. Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, stated that achieving the UK’s net zero target by 2050 is “impossible” without harming living standards or bankrupting the country. This marks a significant departure from the previous political agreement on the importance of addressing climate change. By aligning with such views, Poilievre risks placing Canada among those countries that are stepping back from their environmental responsibilities.

It’s also worth noting that Canadian conservatives once had a more forward-thinking approach. Under Erin O’Toole’s leadership, the Conservative Party supported carbon pricing as part of a broader climate strategy. O’Toole recognized the need for a carbon pricing system to drive innovation and reduce emissions. However, with Poilievre now leading the party, it has shifted back to outright opposition to carbon pricing, which is a significant step backwards.

August 13, 2021

If Canada rolls back carbon pricing, we could find ourselves among the nations failing to meet their climate commitments. This move would significantly hinder our ability to achieve the net-zero emissions target by 2050, which is essential for tackling climate change. Without a solid pricing mechanism, businesses may lack the motivation to innovate or shift to lower-carbon options.

Moreover, eliminating carbon pricing would damage public trust in Canada’s commitment to international agreements like the Paris Accord. As other countries advance their climate policies, Canada risks being seen as disengaged from the global effort to address climate change. This perception could hurt our international relationships and competitiveness in a world that increasingly values sustainability.

The revenue generated from carbon pricing is also crucial for funding green projects, public transportation, and renewable energy initiatives. Poilievre’s plan to scrap this revenue would rob Canada of essential funding needed to transition to a low-carbon economy, jeopardizing job creation in the green sector.

News: Poilievre says he would repeal federal carbon pricing for industrial emissions

June 2, 2017

In contrast to Poilievre’s vision, maintaining and strengthening carbon pricing would show leadership in climate action. It would send a clear message that Canada is serious about its environmental responsibilities and is committed to a sustainable future.

Pierre Poilievre’s plan to undo carbon pricing is a step backward that could undermine our climate commitments and hinder our ability to meet global targets. It aligns with a troubling trend among conservative leaders who prioritize economic concerns over environmental protection, as seen in the UK with Badenoch’s remarks. It also represents a retreat from the more progressive stance taken by former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, who understood the importance of carbon pricing. Canada must remain a leader in the fight against climate change, embracing policies that promote innovation and accountability. The time has come to stand firm in our commitment to a sustainable future and reject proposals that seek to undermine our progress. The future of our planet depends on it.


Make Canada a Climate Laggard Again

If there’s one thing we can say about Justin Trudeau’s legacy, it’s that he put a price on carbon—something that had been debated and denied for years, especially under Stephen Harper’s government. Choosing not to commit to carbon pricing put Canada on the global map of climate laggards, alongside countries that talk a big game about caring for the planet but never actually take meaningful action. It was a pretty embarrassing time for us, especially when we were aligning ourselves with the “drill baby drill” mentality of climate deniers in the U.S.

Now, it feels like we’re sliding back into that old mindset with our own Conservative Party. Just when Canada is trying to set itself apart from the U.S. and connect with progressive partners who genuinely care about climate action, Pierre Poilievre pushed hard to axe the consumer carbon tax, got what he wanted just last week when the new PM Mark Carney did that very thing. Now, Poilievre is calling for the elimination of the industrial carbon tax as well. It’s got people questioning: if there’s no price on carbon, what real action does the Conservative Party plan to take on climate change? This stance could very well make them unelectable come 2025.

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2025-06, Canada, carbon pricing, climate change, Conservative Party, dance environmental policy, fire, green technology, innovation, international agreements, net zero, Pierre Poilievre, progress, Substack, sustainability

Saturday January 25, 2025

January 25, 2025 by Graeme MacKay
As Canada awaits new leadership, a political vacuum has stalled vital policies like carbon pricing, highlighting the challenges of balancing political strategy with long-term governance.

January 25, 2025

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday January 25, 2025

Canada’s Leadership Vacuum and the Price of Political Machinations

Doug Ford's evolution from a controversial provincial leader to a national unifier fills a leadership void left not just by Justin Trudeau, but also Pierre Poilievre, as Canada faces economic challenges similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, while dealing with his lingering past controversies.

January 15, 2025

As Canada finds itself at a pivotal moment, grappling with international pressures and domestic challenges, there is an undeniable sense of stagnation and frustration.

With Parliament prorogued until March 25, the country is effectively on pause, waiting for the Liberal Party to select a new leader to replace Justin Trudeau. This leadership vacuum is not only delaying crucial decisions but also casting a shadow over the policies that have been the hallmark of the current government.

Justin Trudeau, once a dynamic force in Canadian politics, now appears to be more of a ceremonial figurehead, chairing meetings and facilitating discussions without the power to enact substantial change. His recent interactions with provincial premiers, who are arguably steering the national agenda in response to Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, underscore the diminishing influence of the federal government. Trump’s threats of tariffs and even provocative suggestions about Canada becoming the 51st state have elevated the stakes, demanding robust leadership and decisive action.

News: Liberal leadership hopefuls distance themselves from carbon pricing

The Liberal Party's leadership race to succeed Trudeau faces internal chaos and external pressures from U.S. tariffs, with candidates like Carney, Freeland, and Gould competing to address these challenges.

January 16, 2025

Yet, instead of rallying Canadians to the polls for a national debate and a fresh mandate to confront these challenges, the Liberal leadership contest has taken precedence. This internal party struggle has sidelined pressing national issues, leaving Canadians without a clear direction. Doug Ford’s decision to send Ontario voters to the polls highlights a regional response to the national leadership void, seeking to secure a mandate amidst uncertainty.

The sidelining of carbon pricing—a hallmark of the Trudeau government’s climate policy—exemplifies how political motivations can overshadow good policy. Leadership hopefuls like Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, and Mark Carney are distancing themselves from consumer carbon pricing, a move that seems driven more by electoral strategy than sound environmental policy. Carbon pricing was not just a tax; it was a strategic initiative designed to incentivize greener practices and reduce carbon footprints, while simultaneously providing rebates to help offset costs for most Canadians. This policy was a critical part of Canada’s climate action framework, intending to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Justin Trudeau’s increasingly apparent political vulnerabilities, underscored by missteps with Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, and Dominic LeBlanc, suggest his leadership tenure is on shaky ground as party dissent grows and alternatives emerge.

December 20, 2024

The abandonment or softening of such policies reflects a troubling trend where political maneuvering takes precedence over long-term strategic goals. The candidates’ retreat from consumer carbon pricing appears to be an attempt to neutralize a potent Conservative critique, yet it risks undermining the credibility of the Liberal Party’s commitment to climate change mitigation.

This shift also highlights a broader issue within Canadian politics: the difficulty in sustaining complex, long-term policies amid changing political tides. Policies like carbon pricing require consistent public engagement and transparent communication to ensure their benefits are understood and appreciated. Without this, even the most well-intentioned policies can fall victim to political expediency.

News: Freeland says she’s abandoning capital gains tax change because of Trump

Many political leaders, once champions of carbon pricing, are now abandoning their principles and pandering to populist pressures for electoral gain, sacrificing crucial climate action in the process.

September 14, 2024

As Canadians wait for new leadership, the focus must eventually return to addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation. This includes not only navigating international pressures but also reaffirming commitments to effective environmental policies and economic strategies that reflect the values and needs of Canadians.
Ultimately, the leadership vacuum and the current political maneuvering underscore the need for a renewed commitment to principled governance. Canada’s future depends on leaders who can transcend short-term political calculations and prioritize policies that ensure sustainable progress and resilience in the face of both domestic and global challenges. The path forward will require not just new leadership, but a reinvigorated approach to policy that places the long-term wellbeing of Canadians and the environment at its core.


With the carbon tax facing backlash, Liberal leadership candidates are quickly distancing themselves from Trudeau’s policies. Even Steven Guilbeault seems to be stepping back, while Pierre Poilievre may struggle to paint the Liberals as the villains when they’re ditching unpopular policies.

And then there’s Chrystia Freeland. Her dramatic resignation before the Fall economic update raises eyebrows about her loyalty to Trudeau. If she were to lead, we could see a shake-up, especially if she scraps proposed capital gains tax changes, changes she actually proposed in the Fall economic update.

Consumer carbon pricing, once a key part of the government’s legacy, is being sidelined, and it’s frustrating to see good principled policy sacrificed for political games. With Parliament prorogued until March 25, it feels like Trudeau is just a figurehead, while provincial leaders scramble to address pressing challenges—especially with Trump’s rhetoric looming over us.

Please enjoy the making of my January 25 editorial cartoon.https://youtu.be/oPAUz8CjF5s

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2025-02, Canada, carbon pricing, Justin Trudeau, legacy, Liberal Leadership, Premiers, tariffs council of the federation

Thursday December 5, 2024

December 5, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Pierre Poilievre is meticulously preparing his populist platform as a diplomatic performance, positioning himself as Canada’s ideal emissary to align with Trump’s second reign while competing with Trudeau’s own courtly overtures.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday December 5, 2024

Pierre Poilievre Prepares His Performance for King Donald

Canada's fragmented political leadership, from a weak federal government to self-serving provincial premiers, leaves the nation vulnerable amid escalating crises such as Trump’s erratic return to power and his punitive tariff threats.

December 3, 2024

In the glittering halls of Mar-a-Lago, where gilded mirrors amplify the sheen of power and influence, a diplomatic drama of 18th-century proportions unfolds. At the centre of this spectacle is Donald Trump, enthroned anew with the promise of a second reign, enjoying a resurgence of power and adoration that borders on the divine. His court teems with nobles—heads of state and political aspirants—each vying for his favour with calculated gestures and rhetorical flourish. Among them, Pierre Poilievre emerges as the noble in waiting, preparing his stagecraft to one day perform before the King himself.

For now, Poilievre watches from a distance, sharpening his rhetoric and polishing his policy ideas, all designed to catch the King’s eye and signal allegiance to his agenda. As Justin Trudeau makes his own appearances at the royal court, dining with Trump amid the glittering chandeliers and discussing tariffs, borders, and fentanyl, Poilievre critiques from afar, casting himself as the future emissary of Canada who can truly secure the King’s favour.

Exile Days

In the art of courtly intrigue, one must not only match the monarch’s will but anticipate and amplify it. Poilievre, aware of this, has taken to out-Trumping Trump in some respects. His calls for a cap on asylum-seekers and a crackdown on “false refugees” echo Trumpian themes of border security but with a sharper edge, a Canadian twist. Where Trump thunders about “building walls,” Poilievre sketches plans for “boots on the ground, scanners all around, and a stronger border.”

News: Opposition leaders talk unity following Trudeau meeting about Trump, minister calls 51st state comment ‘teasing’

This isn’t mere imitation; it’s competitive loyalty, an audition before the King’s inner circle. Consider Trump confidant Mike Waltz, one of Poilievre’s most prominent American boosters. Waltz has been singing Poilievre’s praises in the court’s antechambers, perhaps whispering into the King’s ear about the young noble’s potential. If Poilievre’s policies seem bold—like re-instituting visa requirements or detaining asylum-seekers for expedited hearings—they are meant to show not just competence but allegiance, a readiness to align Canada’s policies with Trump’s vision.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s ambitious electric vehicle investments face a collision course with Donald Trump’s return to power, raising tensions that could define Canada-U.S. relations.

November 22, 2024

As Poilievre prepares his audition, Trudeau continues his own courtly dance, meeting Trump at Mar-a-Lago with polished deference. His rhetoric about “shared responsibilities” at the border and “partnership” on issues like illegal firearms smuggling is the language of a seasoned diplomat, carefully avoiding provocation while securing Canada’s interests. Yet, the courtly commentators—the press and the public—view his performance with skepticism.

The nobles gathered around the proverbial roundtable scoff at Trudeau’s claims that border security measures were “already in the works” before Trump’s tariff threats. The Liberal government’s budget reflects cuts, not expansions, to border enforcement, and the sudden flurry of meetings and announcements smacks of reactive appeasement. The King’s court, after all, values strength and decisiveness over perceived hesitation or duplicity.

August 31, 2024

Unlike Trudeau, who must juggle diplomacy with the optics of national sovereignty, Poilievre has the luxury of opposition. His performance need not be tempered; it can be theatrical, bold, and uncompromising. His rhetoric about Canada’s “disorder” at the border and the supposed “taking” of Canadian jobs by asylum-seekers is a deliberate appeal to the King’s sensibilities. It is the kind of language that fills the mirrored halls of Mar-a-Lago with murmurs of approval.

Opinion: Despite humiliating dinner with Trump, Trudeau is showing leadership

Still, Poilievre’s ambitions are not without risks. His policies remain vague, as critics like Campbell Clark of The Globe and Mail have noted, and his attempts to out-Trump Trump could alienate Canadian moderates. Yet, Poilievre is betting on a broader alignment with Trump’s court, one that could position him not just as a Canadian ally but as a transnational partner in a shared vision of populist governance.

Trudeau's extended tenure reveals a dismissive leader out of touch with Canadians' real concerns and resistant to addressing pressing issues. This is a parody of a well known editorial cartoon drawn of Former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker by Duncan Macpherson.

January 23, 2024

The opulence of Mar-a-Lago beckons, and one can almost picture the scene when Poilievre finally secures his audience with King Donald. Powdered wigs metaphorically in place, jewels glittering in the Florida sun, the noble and the monarch will exchange witty banter, each testing the other’s resolve and vision. Poilievre, the aspiring vassal, will make his case: that he can govern Canada in a way that complements Trump’s vision for America, that he can fortify the northern border, and that he can bring order to what he describes as Trudeau’s chaos.

For now, Poilievre’s performance plays out in the Canadian court, where his policies and rhetoric are honed under the watchful eyes of his critics and supporters. But the ultimate test will come when he steps into Trump’s mirrored hall and delivers his lines, not as a noble in waiting but as a would-be peer.

Opinion: Poilievre fumbles the Trump crisis: a missed opportunity to show himself as a prime minister-in-waiting

In this diplomatic drama, the stakes are high, and the roles are clear. Trudeau is the polished envoy, playing his part with practiced elegance but struggling to maintain credibility among his peers. Poilievre is the ambitious rival, rehearsing his lines for the moment he can step into the spotlight. And Trump, the King of this glittering court, watches it all unfold, his favour as capricious as it is coveted.

The question remains: When Poilievre’s moment comes, will his performance dazzle the King—or will it merely reflect the glitter of the room?


Today’s cartoon draws inspiration from one of history’s most brilliant satirical minds: James Gillray. For those who may not know, Gillray was the 18th century’s unrivalled editorial cartoonist, skewering political elites with unmatched wit and artistry. In fact, hanging on my wall is a painted print of one of his masterpieces, The Bengal Levee, a depiction of colonial sycophancy so rich in detail and absurdity that it still resonates today. Years ago, I stumbled upon the print on eBay and couldn’t resist – its sharp commentary on power dynamics seemed timeless.

Gillray’s The Bengal Levee shows a chaotic room teeming with fawning petitioners, each jockeying for Lord Cornwallis’s attention at his weekly audiences in colonial India. The obsequious crowd, laden with gifts and flattery, clamours to win favour from the colonial ruler seated on his throne-like chair. It’s satire at its finest, showcasing the grotesque theatre of power, corruption, and human ambition.

National Portrait Gallery, London: The Bengal Levee

Sound familiar? Fast forward to today, and we see a strikingly similar dynamic playing out as leaders from around the world parade to preen before President-elect Donald Trump. Trudeau attempts to project polished diplomacy, while Poilievre (as I envision we will all one day witness inevitable PP’s fealty to the King) sharpens his populist rhetoric, conjuring bold policy proposals that aim to out-Trump Trump. The stakes are high: not just Trump’s favour, but their own political futures.

In today’s cartoon, I wanted to channel Gillray’s spirit, imagining Trump as a gilded Louis XIV-like monarch surveying a royal court of supplicants. Front and centre, Pierre Poilievre juggles axes labelled with his boldest (and Trumpiest) proposals, vying for approval with an almost theatrical flair. The absurdity of it all – the grand gestures, the calculated performances – is a reminder of how little the human dance for power has changed since Gillray’s time.

Please subscribe to my Substack newsletter, if you haven’t already. Posts come out every Friday as I summarize the week that was in my editorial cartoons. What you’re reading now is regarded as a “note”, which is used to help compose my weekly posts and showcase the animated versions of my daily editorial cartoons. Subscriptions will always be free – as long as my position remains as a staff editorial cartoonist. Thanks.

Please enjoy my making-of clip of the December 5, 2024 cartoon – sound up!

– The Graeme Gallery

Read on Substack

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-21, Canada, carbon pricing, CBC, diplomacy, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, foreign aid, Immigration, James Gillray, King, Mar-a-Lago, Pierre Poilievre, royalty, Substack, versailles

Wednesday September 25, 2024

September 25, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Pierre Poilievre's push for a carbon tax election is an opportunity for Canadians to confront the costs of climate inaction—but the debate must focus on real solutions, not just slogans.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday September 25, 2024

Bring on the Carbon Tax Election: Confronting the Reality of Climate Change and the Cost of Inaction

Many political leaders, once champions of carbon pricing, are now abandoning their principles and pandering to populist pressures for electoral gain, sacrificing crucial climate action in the process.

September 14, 2024

Pierre Poilievre’s “Axe the Tax” campaign has struck a chord with many Canadians, positioning him as the frontrunner for the next election and framing the carbon tax as Public Enemy Number One. His rallying cry comes at a time when Canadians are struggling with inflation, housing shortages, and skyrocketing costs. But in the rush to ease voters’ anxieties, Poilievre is pushing an agenda that, in its simplicity, ignores a complex and pressing issue—climate change. The real danger isn’t the carbon tax itself, but the absence of any credible plan to address the climate crisis if Poilievre gets his way. In calling for a carbon tax election, Poilievre may get what he wants, but the real debate Canadians need is not just about scrapping a tax, but about how we will pay for the massive costs of climate inaction.

As Andrew Phillips highlights in his Toronto Star piece, while Canada prepares to abandon its carbon pricing strategy, the rest of the world is moving in the opposite direction. The Financial Times recently praised carbon pricing as the most efficient way to reduce emissions and incentivize cleaner energy. There are now 78 carbon pricing mechanisms in place globally, covering a quarter of global emissions. This growing global consensus reflects a simple economic principle: when you put a price on carbon, you force polluters to pay for the damage they cause, encouraging them to innovate and reduce emissions.

Opinion: The rest of the world knows the best tool to fight climate change. Canada is abandoning it

Polling shows Canadian youth are increasingly favouring the Conservatives over the Liberals, motivated by a yearning for change and disappointment with the Trudeau government's performance, with hope pinned on a potential economic upturn under a Poilievre leadership.

May 17, 2024

Yet, in Canada, Poilievre’s campaign feeds on fear and misinformation, painting a picture of economic devastation that carbon pricing simply hasn’t caused. Phillips points out how Poilievre’s claims of “mass hunger” and “nuclear winter” if the carbon tax increases are ludicrous. This kind of hyperbole might win votes, but it does a disservice to Canadians by treating them like they can’t handle the truth about the costs of climate policy. Phillips reminds us that the alternatives to carbon pricing—industrial pricing or green subsidies—are far more costly. There is no free lunch. We either pay for reducing emissions now, or face higher costs later, not only in dollars but in the mounting damage from unchecked climate change.

The global reality that Phillips emphasizes is crucial to understanding the stakes. Countries that don’t price carbon will increasingly face penalties on exports through mechanisms like the European Union’s carbon border adjustment tax. Canada, too, will not be exempt from this economic shift if it abandons carbon pricing. The world is moving away from fossil fuels, and the price for not keeping up will be steep—not just environmentally, but economically. This isn’t fear-mongering; it’s the reality of global trade and the green transition that Canada will have to navigate whether or not Poilievre wants to admit it.

Opinion: The conservative defeat of carbon pricing is the defeat of economics – and of conservatism

Trudeau's unwavering support for carbon pricing in the face of opposition underscores its essential role in Canada's climate action, contrasting with Pierre Poilievre's lack of a credible alternative, emphasizing the imperative for pragmatic solutions in confronting the urgent threat of climate change.

March 14, 2024

On the other hand, Andrew Coyne’s analysis in The Globe and Mail also lays bare the political and economic stakes of scrapping carbon pricing. Coyne argues that Poilievre’s “Axe the Tax” campaign may be brilliant politics but it is deeply flawed policy. By focusing only on the immediate costs of the carbon tax, Poilievre avoids confronting the much larger costs of doing nothing. Coyne points out that it’s not the tax itself that’s the problem—it’s the lack of a viable alternative. What Poilievre is offering Canadians is a temporary reprieve from paying for climate policy, but at the expense of real long-term solutions.

Like Phillips, Coyne highlights that while carbon pricing may not be popular, it is one of the most efficient tools we have to reduce emissions. The alternative—whether it’s more regulation, industry-targeted taxes, or massive green subsidies—is likely to be far more expensive. And, as Coyne reminds us, without a carbon tax, Canada risks falling behind in a global economy increasingly shaped by environmental policies. One Globe reader astutely observed that Poilievre is setting Canadians up to pay one way or another—whether through environmental destruction or through tariffs on our exports in the global market. Either way, we cannot dodge the costs.

The heart of the problem with Poilievre’s campaign is its focus on short-term political gain at the expense of long-term sustainability. He has tapped into real voter frustrations about affordability, but he’s selling Canadians a false choice. His message suggests that we can have lower costs today without paying for it tomorrow—a claim that simply doesn’t hold up in the face of climate science and economic reality.

As Black Friday sales week coincides with the Trudeau government's economic struggles, the unveiling of a carbon tax pause and questionable economic decisions leave the Prime Minister facing a significant political blowout, with polls shifting toward the Conservative Party and skepticism growing about the Liberals' ability to manage both the economy and climate change.

November 21, 2023

Phillips rightly criticizes the vacuum of leadership in Canada’s climate policy debate. The Trudeau government, once hailed for introducing carbon pricing, now faces political abandonment, even from former allies like the NDP. As Canadians turn away from the Liberals, they’re not demanding a credible climate alternative—they’re just rejecting the current plan. Poilievre has capitalized on this by framing carbon pricing as the enemy, without offering any serious plan for how he would deal with the climate crisis.

Coyne echoes this criticism, noting that Poilievre’s anti-carbon tax stance is all about the politics of the moment and not about policy for the future. Coyne argues that the Conservatives have failed to offer any meaningful proposals to address climate change. The reality is that we can’t escape the costs of reducing emissions. Whether through a carbon tax or another mechanism, we will have to pay to clean up our economy. Scrapping the carbon tax without a credible replacement is simply kicking the can down the road—an irresponsible move for a country already experiencing the impacts of global warming.

If Poilievre wants a carbon tax election, let’s have one. But let’s ensure it’s based on facts, not the kind of fear-mongering he’s peddling. As both Coyne and Phillips argue, the real debate isn’t whether we need to pay for climate policy—it’s how we pay for it. Canadians deserve to hear the truth: fighting climate change will cost money, but failing to act will cost much more. If Poilievre wants to lead the country, he needs to offer a serious plan for reducing emissions, not just a catchy slogan.

At the end of the day, Canadians must confront the reality that the climate crisis isn’t going away. The rest of the world knows this, and while they’re adopting carbon pricing, we’re at risk of moving backwards. If Poilievre’s “Axe the Tax” campaign succeeds, it will be a political win for him, but a loss for Canada. And as Phillips warns, even if we dodge the carbon tax at home, we’ll pay the price in the international arena.

A carbon tax election could be the moment where Canadians finally confront the truth about the cost of climate action—or inaction. But to get there, we need an honest debate, not political theatre. (AI)

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2024-17, biodiversity, Canada, carbon pricing, carbon tax, climate change, climate crisis, climate denial, election, fall fair, game, Pierre Poilievre

Saturday September 14, 2024

September 14, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Many political leaders, once champions of carbon pricing, are now abandoning their principles and pandering to populist pressures for electoral gain, sacrificing crucial climate action in the process.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 14, 2024

Here is an animated version of this editorial cartoon

Carbon Pricing Abandonment – Politics Over Principle, and a Failure of Leadership

Both Bonnie Crombie and Pierre Poilievre's opposition to the carbon tax raises questions about their alternative plans for addressing climate change, leaving voters to wonder: if not a carbon tax, then what specific measures do they propose to tackle this urgent issue, if any at all?

March 22, 2024

Carbon pricing has long been hailed as a critical tool in the global fight against climate change, a market-based solution designed to reduce carbon emissions and incentivize cleaner energy alternatives. For years, progressive leaders in Canada like Bonnie Crombie, David Eby, and Jagmeet Singh stood firm on the value of carbon pricing. But now, faced with political pressures and the looming threat of populist rhetoric from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s “Axe the Tax” campaign, these same politicians are backtracking on their once resolute stances. This shift reflects a larger, troubling pattern of political pandering that prioritizes short-term electoral gain over long-term environmental responsibility.

David Eby, for instance, once a steadfast advocate for carbon pricing in British Columbia, is now promising to eliminate the provincial carbon tax for everyday British Columbians—provided the federal government drops its own requirements. This reversal is deeply disappointing for a province that was once a trailblazer in implementing a carbon tax. As B.C. Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau aptly pointed out, Eby’s pledge is nothing more than a “carbon tax flip-flop,” exposing a lack of coherent climate policy and a willingness to sacrifice principle for political expediency.

News: B.C. will scrap consumer carbon tax if Ottawa drops requirement

Fossil fuel industries receive $5 billion annually in federal subsidies, while funds circulate through taxes and rebates in a carbon pricing scheme—a stark yet realistic facet of the green transition.

Tuesday April 2, 2024

The same holds true for Jagmeet Singh, who has recently begun distancing himself from carbon pricing, despite its prominence in the NDP’s platform as recently as 2021. In a move that reeks of political posturing, Singh’s comments criticizing both the Liberal and Conservative approaches to climate policy hint at an NDP retreat on this critical issue. As one reader comment from The National Observer suggests, this shift reveals a leader more concerned with not alienating potential voters than standing up for what is right. Rather than defending carbon pricing as an essential measure to combat climate change, Singh seems more inclined to let the Conservatives set the agenda, leaving progressives scrambling to salvage credibility on the environment.

Even the Biden-Harris administration in the U.S., once a beacon of environmental ambition with its backing of the Green New Deal, has shown troubling signs of retreat, particularly around fracking and carbon policies. While they have avoided outright carbon pricing initiatives, their recent stance on energy policies reflects the same political dilemma faced by their Canadian counterparts: how to balance the urgency of climate action with the fear of losing voters beholden to fossil fuel interests. Kamala Harris, for instance, has softened her previously strong stance on fracking, a clear indication that political survival is beginning to outweigh environmental conviction.

April 21, 2021

At the heart of this issue lies a glaring failure of leadership. Politicians like Eby, Crombie, and Singh have been swayed by Pierre Poilievre’s populist rhetoric, which frames the carbon tax as an economic burden rather than a climate solution. His ability to simplify a complex policy into an easy-to-chant slogan like “Axe the Tax” has resonated with a population grappling with inflation and rising living costs. But this is where true leadership should shine: not by succumbing to the winds of populism but by standing firm in the face of it. Instead, these former champions of carbon pricing have chosen to follow the crowd, leaving a leadership vacuum at a time when bold action is needed most.

News: Carbon tax’s future uncertain as Parliament returns

As one commenter in The Toronto Star notes, the Liberals’ communication on carbon pricing has been abysmal. They’ve failed to effectively articulate how the tax-and-rebate system benefits most Canadians, particularly those in lower-income brackets. Mark Carney, a seasoned economist, has criticized the lack of consistent environmental policy and pushed for a stronger approach, yet even his advice seems to be falling on deaf ears as the Liberals falter in the polls. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault’s recent defence of carbon pricing, while admirable, underscores the Liberals’ struggle to convey the policy’s long-term value. Guilbeault rightly challenges Poilievre’s lack of a meaningful climate plan, but without stronger messaging, the Liberals risk losing not only the policy debate but also the political battle.

The federal government, led by Justin Trudeau, is making changes to its climate policy, which primarily benefit Atlantic Canada. These changes include increased rural rebates and exemptions for home heating oil from the carbon tax. This has generated mixed reactions and debates.

October 28, 2023

It’s not just about carbon pricing—this is about the abandonment of principles in favour of pandering to the lowest common denominator. We’ve seen this before: when the political stakes are high, some leaders would rather compromise their core values than risk losing power. But the climate crisis demands more. As one frustrated citizen remarked, “I lament the day when there was a solid middle that was willing to make tough choices based on real principles in the name of a better future.” This is the tough reality that politicians like Eby, Crombie, and Singh need to face: leadership is not about appeasing critics, it’s about guiding people to make difficult but necessary decisions for the greater good.

News: Carney interested in ‘doing something, not being something,’ he says of adviser role

Trudeau's unwavering support for carbon pricing in the face of opposition underscores its essential role in Canada's climate action, contrasting with Pierre Poilievre's lack of a credible alternative, emphasizing the imperative for pragmatic solutions in confronting the urgent threat of climate change.

March 14, 2024

It’s clear that Poilievre and his allies have tapped into a vein of discontent that resonates with Canadians struggling to make ends meet. But the solution to rising costs is not to dismantle the very policies that aim to mitigate one of the greatest threats to humanity. As Carney said, the carbon tax has served a purpose up until now, but the time may come for a more effective plan. The answer, however, is not to abandon carbon pricing altogether but to find a way to make it work better—for the economy, for the climate, and for Canadians.

If progressive leaders in Canada and beyond continue to abandon the climate cause for political expediency, they will have missed a crucial opportunity to lead. The climate crisis will not wait for the next election cycle, and neither should our leaders. It’s time for them to stop following populists and start leading with vision, integrity, and courage. If they fail to do so, the consequences will be far greater than the loss of a few votes. They will have sacrificed our future on the altar of political convenience. (AI)

 

Posted in: Canada, Ontario Tagged: 2024-16, animated, axe the tax, Bonnie Crombie, British Columbia, Canada, carbon pricing, climate change, climate crisis. carbon tax, David Eby, Jagmeet Singh, NDP, Ontario, Pierre Poilievre, principle
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