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Rising stakes at Paris

This week, international leaders head to Paris to talk climate change, just shortly after Premier Rachel Notley jolted Alberta with news of a carbon tax, vowing that the tax, to generate $3 billion, would be pumped back into rebates, green energy and

This week, international leaders head to Paris to talk climate change, just shortly after Premier Rachel Notley jolted Alberta with news of a carbon tax, vowing that the tax, to generate $3 billion, would be pumped back into rebates, green energy and infrastructure.

This carbon tax could increase “the cost of everything,” as Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs warned in the federal election campaign, including gas at the pumps, costs of heating a home, groceries, etc., as the province moves to phasing out coal-fired power plants in favour of renewable energy.

This is no easy burden to bear, as Albertans are already paying more for several goods, including groceries, due to the low loonie, all while facing a time of economic uncertainty. This is not to mention the devastating consequences for communities where coal plants provide hundreds of people with jobs. It’s a very risky gamble, especially with the NDP already facing a rural backlash over contentious Bill 6.

But right now, Canadian oil faces a public relations nightmare, as countries repudiate the “tarsands” and the Americans vetoing the Keystone XL pipeline. Proponents who have pointed out Canada is a stable, respected democratic country with stringent environmental standards have been largely ignored.

The cost to do nothing on climate change is intense – from an environmental, international security and economic standpoint, which may be why Suncor chief executive has also spoken in favour of such a tax.

Sitting back and waiting for major emitters like China and India to do their bit first is ridiculous; Canada should be a leader, not a laggard. At the Paris conference, international leaders should put pressure on China to fall into step, considering that country produces and consumes almost as much fossil fuels as the rest of the world combined.

But while action is needed from the federal and provincial governments on the climate change file, the Albertan government should work with energy producers and the coal industry to ensure the transition is smooth and that more importantly, doesn’t completely kneecap Albertans as small business owners, farmers or consumers. The devil will certainly be in the details.




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