The provincial Climate Change Committee will start two days of public hearings in Saint John to hear from members of the public. One big concern is how much will reducing greenhouse gas emissions cost businesses and consumers in the province.
Dr. Louise Comeau, the Program Director of Climate Change and Energy Policy for the Conservation Council, is certain there will be a carbon tax. She warns the public doesn’t trust government to do the right thing with the money so transparency is key. Dr. Comeau also advocates the passage of a Climate Action Act with a legislated target and the phase out of coal.
The Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Kevin Lacey has spoken out against a carbon tax, warning New Brunswickers are being taxed too much as is. British Columbia brought in a carbon tax but, at the same time, reduced other taxes.
The Nature Conservancy of New Brunswick says a cheap way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is to conserve more forest land and wetlands which serve to store carbon naturally.
