Budget ignores climate change, again

The power to protect our environment and livelihoods using budgetary measures – both investment and taxation — has been squandered, again. This Budget does not put a price on carbon, which is needed to curtail the wasteful use of fossil fuels. Investments in energy efficiency programs and technologies that will reduce our bills and global warming pollution are absent.  Just the opposite, handouts have been given to the nuclear and coal industries.  The smattering of tax incentives and grants for renewable energy and green tech are nowhere near the scale required.

The arctic is melting, Canadians are deeply concerned, the international scientific community has made an unified call to action from the as we approach a dangerous tipping point, and this Government’s own advisory panel called for aggressive carbon constraints.

Mr Flaherty, a vibrant green economy represents an unparalleled opportunity. But this government’s lack of leadership keeps pulling Canada farther behind on the ecological priority of our time.

by Julia Langer