The leader of the Green Party of Quebec, Alex Tyrrell, as well as Amavi Tagodoe, candidate in Deux-Montagnes, took the floor on Thursday to put forward the GPQ’s proposal for the introduction of a carbon tax. It is time to take concrete action to fight against climate change and emissions from the transportation sector. Experts are clear that in order to reduce greenhouse gases and fight climate change, we must take concrete action to reduce the consumption of gasoline and fossil fuels.
The Green Party of Quebec proposes to finance the energy transition and the shift in our society through a carbon tax on gasoline, as well as measures to discourage the purchase of gas-guzzling vehicles. The Green Party of Quebec is proposing to implement a carbon tax of $200 per ton of CO2 emissions with a $40 per year increase. The GPQ is aware that this will increase the price of gasoline, but this policy was adopted to give citizens some predictability. Oil is going to get more expensive, so it is best to adapt to having smaller cars and limiting our car travel.
However, any increase in the price of carbon must take into account the economic realities of individuals, families and regions. That’s why we support a system of reasoning that will allow for more equitable management of the carbon price. We propose to offer a carbon price exemption to every resident of Quebec. The number of liters of gasoline exempted will be determined by the proximity of residents to public transit and their ability to reduce emissions. Children will also be eligible for an exemption. This will allow families living in the regions, for example, to receive a large number of liters of exemption, while a person living in the metropolis, close to public transportation, will receive a much smaller exemption. In addition, this change will be coupled with a major expansion of the public transit system, which will now be free, more frequent, fast and comfortable. This shift to public transit will benefit all Quebecers, who will be able to breathe clean air, waste less time in traffic jams, save on expenses related to the purchase and maintenance of a vehicle while doing their part in the fight against climate change.
Aamavi Tagodoe, concluded by saying «it is important to take meaningful action, because this is not the distant future, but the near future. It’s about the future for us and for our children, so let’s take the steps that may seem a little difficult at times, but they are necessary for us to have a green future so that we can breathe properly. Let’s take the steps we need to take now to have a future that is good for us and for our children.»
