BC Greens stand by carbon tax, promise to ‘fix’ it

The BC Green Party announced its plan Wednesday to “fix” the provincial carbon tax, offering a bigger rebate while targeting the biggest polluters.

Speaking at an election campaign event, Leader Sonia Furstenau said she’s seen political leadership in the province act as spokesperson for the oil and gas industry, and she says it has to end.

“A $5.5-billion subsidy to LNG Canada tells me that not only does this industry need to be propped up by the government in order to be viable, but it tells me that a government is willing to subsidize an industry whose five companies took more than $60 billion in profits in one year alone,” said Furstenau.

The party says, if elected in October, it promises to increase taxes on polluters and ensure the money goes back to families.

“Like the GST rebate, the higher the tax, the bigger your cheque — helping to keep your household budget intact,” the party said in a release Wednesday.

It promises the carbon tax will rise by $15 per year, but the revenue will be returned. The BC Greens say they’re committed to closing loopholes that allow companies to claim carbon offsets while continuing to pollute.

“Under the current system, up to 65% of emissions from the oil and gas industry are exempt, meaning you are left to foot the bill.”

Both BC NDP Leader David Eby and B.C. Conservatives Leader John Rustad have expressed their intent to end the provincial carbon tax, if their party forms government.

More to come.