I have to admit that when I first heard the phrase “Tax Shift”, I was not quite sure what it meant. I wondered if it meant shifting the tax from one group of earners such as from the poor to the rich, or from one type of import to another. I was, like many others, worried that this was another tax grab. But when I read this carefully I realised how simple this concept is, and how brilliant, at the same time. That is why I decided to share my thoughts with readers who do not have the time to read about it.

What the Green Party of Canada proposes is a tax on those fossil fuels that produce greenhouse gases, such as petrol, diesel and coal, not as an increase, but as part of the current levels of taxes collected by the federal government. Thus those taxpayers, whether individuals or corporations, who continue to use such harmful-to-the-environment fuels will have to pay taxes on whatever they use, and thus will shoulder more taxes. By contrast, you and I, who behave responsibly and minimise such use will end up paying less taxes. Of course, tax rates vary depending on income. But let us say that one individual pays 20% overall tax on their taxable income. He now has the opportunity to reduce that tax rate, say to 18% by acting responsibly, by cutting down on such fuels, whereas the taxpayer who continues to use them may end up paying 22%. Thus while the averaged tax rate is still 20%, we have now shifted a small but significant part of the tax burden on to the shoulders of irresponsible citizens.

Of course, there will have to be special provisions for Canadians whose livelihoods depend on such fuels, such as truck drivers, but for most of us, we will have that option to save the environment for coming generations, and to reduce our own taxes.

British Columbia has just announced a 2.4 cent carbon tax. Quebec has a different system. If we believe that we are all citizens on this one country called Canada, is it not high time we had one policy for preservation of a healthy environment, and the same system of health care, and of education? That is what the Green Party stands for.

Most Canadians are convinced that they must do something to save the environment for their grandchildren. Here is an opportunity to contribute to that, while at the same time to reward themselves with the savings from such active participation in the democratic process. The money they save could then go into buying a hybrid car, which is about $4000 more expensive. And this in turn will help preserve a healthy environment. Show me the downside, if you can!

Qais Ghanem
GPC Candidate – Ottawa South tempuse@rogers.com                                                           (470)