Photo: contributed
Okanagan Central Deputy Nicola Dan Albas
With my annual summer scouting tour underway, I’ve already heard the concerns of many residents from different parts of our region.
One of the biggest concerns is the high price of gas. For many who have to commute to work, higher prices can be devastating. Also, for older people with a fixed income who have to travel for medical appointments, the added expenses cannot be recovered.
I’ve heard of many hired drivers who aren’t able to charge more, despite having significantly increased costs. Small business owners receive goods with significantly higher transportation bills which in turn have to be passed on to customers. For many, this situation is causing serious financial difficulties.
However, for those who strongly support carbon taxes on fuel, these higher gas prices are exactly what is designed to make a carbon tax.
When asked recently by the federal finance minister about the higher gas prices and the crippling effect they are having on many Canadians as well as the Canadian truck industry, his answer was clear.
“This rising price of fuel costs is a reminder of why climate action is so important,” said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
The challenge of this statement is that many countries, including our largest trading partner, the United States, do not have carbon taxes. In addition, other G-7 countries, including the United States, are actively taking steps to reduce the price of gas pumps, recognizing that higher gas prices have a compound effect in significantly increasing inflation.
This Canadian government is left alone in the G-7 by not taking significant steps to reduce gas prices at the pumps.
Government members will often talk about carbon tax cuts, arguing that some people come out later.
The finance minister, who lives in Toronto, has publicly stated that her family does not have a car. Without a doubt, for someone who lives in Toronto and doesn’t own a vehicle, I have no doubt they will benefit from carbon tax rebates. However, what about someone who lives in Hedley, BC?
In Hedley, there are no supermarkets, no primary care clinics, no high schools, and extremely limited public transportation options. One is forced to travel long distances for basic services.
There are many communities in our region where people are forced to travel for services that are not available locally and are paying a lot right now.
My question this week:
Are you being negatively affected by rising gas prices?
You can contact me at [email protected] or call the toll-free number 1-800-665-8711.
This article is written by or on behalf of a subcontracted columnist and does not necessarily reflect Castanet’s views.