Rachel NarveyFor several years, Canadian federal politics have seemed like a runaway victory for Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre has consistently held a 10 to 20-point lead over the incumbent Liberal Party under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau’s abrupt announcement of his intention to resign as Liberal Party leader left many wondering who would fill the top spot and if new leadership could save the party from its vast unpopularity. The new Liberal leader, Mark Carney, has given life to the Liberals as many praise him for his plentiful experience. But he also brings promised reforms of current government policy — including the carbon tax.
Carney proposes to replace the controversial carbon tax policy with green incentives that aim to promote green choices, reduce emissions, and hold polluters responsible. Carney’s platform comes off as a pragmatic response to the government’s unpopular environmental policies while still tackling the impending threat of climate change. This broad program includes financial incentives for purchasing energy-efficient goods and a carbon border adjustment. It would penalize high-polluting foreign imports, ensuring Canadian firms can compete on a fair playing field against the world’s worst polluters.
Carney’s shift in environmental policy is a breath of fresh air for voters who seek alternative policies that fight climate change while depolarizing the climate issue. Nearly two-thirds of Canadians believe in immediately suspending the federal carbon tax. Only 19 per cent support the carbon tax, and 17 per cent of respondents are unsure. This shows that Canadians are incredibly discontented with the carbon tax policy and demand change.
Many voters seek that change under the leadership of the popular Poilievre. Poilievre has been highly critical of the carbon tax, often repeating his “Axe the Tax” slogan. The “Axe the Tax” motto has latched onto the electorate’s consciousness unlike any other governing policy. It has essentially forced future Liberal Party leaders to abandon the policy. Poilievre successfully pressured the Liberal Party into a situation where the carbon tax is politically unviable.
Now that the carbon tax has been “axed,” what are Poilievre’s environmental solutions and ideas to fight climate change? Poilievre says he favours “technology, not taxes” without providing much detail. We can quickly look at his lengthy time in the House of Commons (HoC)to see his views. The conservative career politician has been a member of parliament (MP) since 2004. He’s gone from back-bencher to cabinet minister under the Stephen Harper government, and now to party leader.
During the last two decades, he voted against environmental and climate policy nearly 400 times. He has supported environmental action only 13 times. He voted against legislation that would hold companies liable for environmental damage, investments in low-carbon industries, and the recognition of First Nations’ sovereignty over their resources in the Northwest Territories. His voting record tells us that Poilievre couldn’t care less about substantial environmental policy. He is more interested in prioritizing the industries that strip the earth of its natural resources at the expense of future generations. Canadians who are deeply concerned with the imminent threat of climate change should seek different candidates.
In stark contrast to Poilievre, Carney has immeasurable experience with environmental policy and expertise in economics. Carney was the Governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 recession, and his decision to cut interest rates early is accredited for the economy’s smooth recovery compared to other G7 nations. This innovative decision attracted the attention of the Bank of England, which appointed him as their Bank Governor in 2013. In 2019, Carney began serving as the United Nations (UN) Envoy for Climate Action and Finance. He has rallied the world to build a rigid economy while effectively fighting climate change. Carney has numerous accomplishments under his belt that make him the most suitable candidate for prime-ministership.
Canada needs an effective leader with a real plan to deal with environmental and economic issues more than ever. In light of the newly elected United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump’s administration, many are concerned with Trump’s ambition to reverse climate protections and the economic threats towards his closest allies. Trump has already left the Paris Climate Agreement, rolled back emission standards, and withdrawn from renewable energy projects. The role of the U.S.’s climate leadership has come into question. If elected, Carney could take up this mantle just like he did at the UN. The world must take decisive action to deal with the climate crisis. Or else we may face disastrous consequences for humanity. When you mess with nature, nature messes with you.
