Canadian Truckers Oppose Carbon Tax

(Employment Crossing News • Global TV)



A nationwide carbon tax proposed by the Liberal Party of Canada is strongly opposed by the transportation industry, farmers and fishermen. Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper has called the plan “crazy” given the current downturn in the economy.

The Green Shift, an environmental and economic policy strongly backed by federal Liberal leader Stéphane Dion, is a key policy plank for the Liberal Party in the upcoming October national election.

The trucking industry claims the carbon tax, which affects industries that burn oil-based fuels for transportation, will spur the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.

Liberals have offered an olive branch to the plan’s opponents — $900 million in tax breaks to farmers, fishermen and truckers. They have also proposed a $250-million fund for fisheries and transportation firms to help deal with the impact of the proposed carbon tax.