No party is really listening to Canadians when it comes to pollution pricing
Politicians from all major parties have told us over and over that Canadians don’t want to pay for our pollution. It’s too expensive. The wrong people are being asked to pay. It’s a money grab from untrustworthy politicians. Take your pick on the reason, but the main message is that this policy deserves to go.
But have any of these political leaders actually asked Canadians what they think?
We decided to take the bull by the horns and ask people ourselves. And like us, you might be surprised by what we heard.
Over two-thirds of Canadians from coast to coast agree that:
It’s important to pay for our pollution, because there is no better planet to protect for our kids. There are better ways to make life more affordable than ‘axing the tax’ on carbon pollution – like better investments in housing, child care, postsecondary and retirement.
With all the hype, you might have thought virtually no-one would agree with this statement. After all, before Donald Trump’s threats changed the channel, we were headed full speed for an ‘axe the tax election’.
Instead, it turns out most Canadians know that simply eliminating the carbon price won’t magically bring down major living costs. For that, we need bolder action that actually follows the evidence – like Gen Squeeze’s win-win-win plan to reform Old Age Security, or our prescriptions to restore housing affordability.
In case you’re wondering if these results are a fluke, we asked Canadians to share their opinions about a second pollution pricing statement as well. This one received even more widespread support, with fully 73% of Canadians nodding in agreement.
If you make a mess, clean it up. That’s a responsibility our parents teach us. Politicians betray this family value when they propose to stop paying for pollution, because it forces our kids to pay even more dearly for the messes we leave them.
How it is that we’ve so wildly underestimated Canadians’ willingness to take responsibility for paying for our pollution? Pollution pricing detractors have been underselling people across the country. Our data show strong support for pollution pricing across all regions. Yes, slightly lower in the Prairies and Atlantic Canada, and among Conservative voters. But overall, the results are remarkably consistent.
Check out all the data for yourself here.
The punchline about which we can all be proud at this time of national anxiety is that Canadians are committed to leaving a proud legacy for their kids, grandkids and future generations. They know a key part of this is making sure those who follow get to enjoy things many of us older folks could take for granted. Winters with snow and ice. Summers without smoke. Paying for our pollution will help us get there.
Whether or not the carbon price survives the next federal election, it’s time for political leaders to step up with climate plans that match the ambition of Canadians. Let’s make sure federal party leaders really do listen to us.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Use our toolkit
Our toolkit will empower you to bravely stand in the way of the "axe the tax" bandwagon. You'll find key messages, shareable graphics and videos, and responses to naysayers, which you can mix and match for different audiences and platforms.
Join our Pollution Pricing Posse
We're rallying a posse of courageous Canadians who are reminding people that good ancestors pay for their pollution because we love our kids. We’re standing together to win back the hearts and minds of all those who supported pollution pricing just a few short years ago.
