Re: Todd Whitcombe's article on carbon tax.
To clarify for Mr. Whitcombe, "revenue neutral" means that every dollar raised by B.C.'s carbon tax is returned to British Columbians in the form of tax relief.
This way, citizens do not pay more taxes overall.
Specific tax relief includes additional tax credits for low income individuals as well as a northern and rural homeowner benefit, along with lowering general personal income tax rates and business taxes.
In short, we are taxing the pollution we don't want, and returning the money for what we do want - money in people's pockets, jobs and opportunity.
Since it was introduced in 2008, B.C.'s carbon tax has been revenue neutral, and we will only increase the tax if it remains revenue neutral.
Our carbon tax gives people and businesses a powerful incentive to reduce their carbon footprints.
They can either choose to pay the tax or avoid it by learning how to be more energy and fuel efficient in their homes, vehicles and businesses.
And by driving industry to innovate, the tax is helping to unlock financing for climate friendly investments.
As the world moves towards a lower carbon future, British Columbians can be proud that our revenue-neutral carbon tax is widely considered a model to follow.
In fact, the United Nations just hailed our tax as "an example worldwide for innovative carbon pricing."
Mary Polak
Minister of Environment
Victoria
Related: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/opinion/columnists/provinces-playing-their-parts-1.2362055
