Follow Up: Are Conservatives fair to the average taxpayer?

I would say ‘no.’

I would also say I only bring this up because I produced a long and useful rant last week (some things you just shouldn’t hold inside) and a little news clip about Canada’s Federal Conservatives really seems to connect with that.

So, here’s the thing in a nutshell.

(Nutshell really seems to fit as well whenever I refer to Conservative John Baird. Sorry, I digress).

Related to toxic pollutants in the Alberta oilsands, then Environment Minister Baird said, “We acknowledge that we’ve got to up our game.”

[I’ll explain who has to up their game in a sec.]

“Industry’s got to do the same, the province has to as well. If there are costs, we will find a way to make it happen.” (Dec. 22, 2010, London Free Press)


["Let the little guy pick up the tab": Cartoon GH]

The news clip went on to say ‘how the government will cover those costs isn’t clear. While the (expert) panel recommended a user-pay system, Baird wouldn’t commit to charging industry.’

In other words, industry can kill the waters in Alberta but not have to pay costs related to upping the game in cleanup.

So, who will have to step up to the plate and help out?

Go look in the mirror. If you pay taxes, the person staring back at you will have to pay more.

Is the Conservative government fair to the average taxpayer?

No, and it gets worse.

Stay tuned.

***

Some editorialists and letter writers believe only the public sector needs to step up and help out.

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