From a post in our Facebook group for subscribers, Ontario introduces legislation to kill cap-and-trade program, by Shawn McCarthy
Climate change is real but adhering to what is in effect an ultra orthodox religious dogma only impoverishes us. Yes promote modern clean efficient technologies. But doubling down on techniques that only stifle growth is self harm. Indeed we could shut the economy down tomorrow and nothing would change right China, India and USA. - Stan Benda
Stan Benda’s comment sparked the following discussion
BC has had a carbon tax for years. We lead the country economically. Canada could be richer by acting, but too many are clinging to the holy grail of oil and gas. - Grant Bowen
But lBC’s carbon tax is revenue neutral and reduces income tax. The Trudeau carbon tax and the Wynne cap and trade effectively taxes Canadian producers while subsidizing foreign manufacturers and foreign producers of oil. Chinese goods , Indian good, Venuzelan oil Iranian oil are being subsidized by Canadian manufacturers and consumers. Unless the govt imposes an equivalent carbon tariff on all goods made abroad that are not subject to a carbon tax or dont come from a cap and trade country we are subsidizing those foreign made goods. Its simple economics. As noted above we could shut down all of our industry and climate change would continue unabated.Why do people think shooting ourselves in the foot and subsidizing foreign goods is a good policy. Its wonderful to be supporting the reduction of green house gases but there has to be a way that doesn’t punish Canadians. - Alex Murphy
I believe you are incorrect. The federal carbon tax can be refunded. It is up to the provinces to do so. Not sure why they wouldn’t. And I do not accept the “they aren’t doing it, so we shouldn’t either” argument. Just because others litter doesn’t mean I should – Grant Bowen
To read the rest of this discussion, please visit our Facebook group dedicated to subscribers
From, Quebec’s dwindling number of Catholic nuns spells end of era in province, by Ingrid Peritz
It’s a shame that some of their values—dedication to community, the importance of education—could not be reinterpreted or conveyed in some new way, to allow for the institution to move forward. In an odd way, this order, with its audacious message that women and girls were worthy of development and education, were the first feminists. - JPP221
Interesting article and not surprising. I find it hard to imagine the young Quebec woman in today’s very secular society who would choose to be a nun. Even for somebody interested in helping the poor, ill, etc there are so many other options which would also permit her to have a family. - John Broadbent5
And finally from, Western Canada separatism is not real, but the grievances of its provinces are, a column by John Ibbitson
John says: “That said, it would be a serious mistake to underestimate Western alienation, which has deep roots. And if that pipeline doesn’t get built, watch out.”
Well - we’d all better watch out because Justin, Gerry and Billy have absolutely no intention of building the TM Pipeline, or any other for that matter.
They bought to use as a pawn in the next federal election.
It will be up to the Conservatives to start the TM Pipeline expansion, to approve Energy East over Quebec’s objections and to rejuvenate Canada’s refinery capacity/industry.
Those actions will nicely kick-start Canada’s moribund economy and help to lead us out of the recession Justin, Gerry and Billy will have caused by way of failed NAFTA negotiations. – Retired Dude1
In response to Retired Dude1
Thats a good one, retired Dude1. Force Trans Canada, a private company, to restart the Energy east pipeline. Or what? They’ll nationalize it? Oh, but then you’ll complain that they are only nationalizing it so it won’t be built.
Let me ask you this - if Ottawa hadn’t purchased Trans Mountain, do you think Kinder Morgan would have continued building it? Not a chance that they would have. – Darryl Williams
Darryl Williams - I believe I used the word “approve” not “force” and you should check out what Trans Canada has been doing with their pipelines. – Retired Dude1
From the Comments is a new feature designed to highlight interesting and thoughtful contributions from our readers. Some comments have been edited for clarity. Everyone can read the comments but only subscribers will be able to contribute. Thank you to everyone furthering debate across our site.