6/12/2009 4:46:46 PM Public support rises for B.C. carbon tax, with growing support for a similar tax across Canada Vancouver: British Columbia’s groundbreaking carbon tax – which has had a rough ride since being introduced almost 12 months ago – has recaptured public support over the past year, not only in British Columbia, but across the country. These findings are based on a recent Canadian Environmental Barometer public opinion survey conducted by Environics Research, and released by Environics’ founder Michael Adams at conference entitled “Decoding Carbon Pricing hosted by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions and Sustainable Prosperity in Vancouver on June 11th. In British Columbia, close to half (48%) of residents now say they strongly or somewhat support the tax on all carbon-based fuels used by consumers and businesses in the province as a way to encourage reductions in greenhouse gas emissions which cause climate change, compared with an almost equal proportion (47%) who oppose it. These findings reflect increased support since last July (shortly after the tax came into effect) when only 40 percent expressed support versus 56 percent who opposed it. Current support for the tax is close to, but not quite fully back to the level achieved in February 2008 soon after the measure was first announced by the B.C. government (but not yet implemented). B.C. is the only jurisdiction that has implemented a carbon tax to date, but results from the survey reveal that Canadians across the country are also warming up to this approach to fighting climate change. When asked how they would feel about the introduction of a B.C.-style carbon tax in their own province, opinions remain divided in every province. Nonetheless support has also increased since last July in every province, most noticeably in Alberta (up 17 points) and Saskatchewan (up 13 points). Across the country, support approaches 50 percent from the Atlantic provinces to Manitoba, and remains somewhat lower in Saskatchewan (41%) and Alberta (44%). “This latest survey demonstrates that it is premature to “write off” carbon taxes as a failed climate change policy in Canada”, comments Dr. Keith Neuman, Group Vice President with Environics Research. “Taxes of any kind will never be vote-winners, but the outcome of the recent B.C. provincial election validates Premier Gordon Campbell’s decision to stick with a tax-based approach to fighting climate change in the face of serious opposition. The Canadian Environmental Barometer is a monthly syndicated research study conducted by Environics Research Group to provide ongoing public opinion intelligence on climate change and the environment to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Each monthly survey is based on telephone interviews with a nationally-representative sample of 2,000 Canadians. For further information, please contact: Keith Neuman, Ph.D., Group Vice President – Public Affairs, Environics Research Group 613-230-5089 keith.neuman@environics.ca Methodology The survey from which these results are drawn was conducted by telephone May 21 to 26, 2009 with a representative sample of 2,003 Canadians (250 of whom are in British Columbia). A sample of this size drawn from the national population would be expected to provide results within plus or minus 2.2 percentage points, 95 out of 100 times (plus or minus 6.2 percentage points for the B.C. sample). Question Wording (B.C.): As you may know, British Columbia now has a tax on all carbon based fuels used by consumers and businesses in the province, as a way to encourage reductions in greenhouse gas emissions generated in the province. This tax is currently 2.5 cents per litre, and will rise gradually to 7.2 cents per litre by the year 2012. This tax is “revenue neutral” which means the same amount raised through this tax each year is refunded – by law - to taxpayers in the form of lower personal income and corporate taxes. Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose this carbon tax for B.C.? Question Wording (Rest of Canada) British Columbia now has a tax on all carbon based fuels used by consumers and businesses in the province, as a way to encourage reductions in greenhouse gas emissions generated in the province. This tax is currently 2.5 cents per litre, and will rise gradually to 7.2 cents per litre by the year 2012. This tax is revenue neutral” which means the same amount raised through this tax each year is refunded – by law - to taxpayers in the form of lower personal income and corporate taxes. Would you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose this type of carbon tax for [YOUR PROVINCE]? For pdf attachment click here [ Latest News Articles ]       [ View Past Articles ]