Carbon tax would be good for N.B. economy, says environmental law professor
Stewart Elgie says B.C. example shows carbon tax has no negative impact
Stewart Elgie, a professor at the University of Ottawa, thinks New Brunswick will benefit from starting a carbon tax to offset the cost of fossil fuel emissions while reinvesting it into green infrastructure.
Elgie is the associate director of the university's Institute of the Environment, and was founder and managing lawyer of the Sierra Legal Defence Fund.
"We don't pay the cost, we impose the cost on society for free, so putting a price on carbon is like seeing a real bill for the cost of fossil fuels," said Elgie.
He argued carbon emissions have a large impact on society saying it affects health care and business in addition to the major storm events.
Elgie feels the revenue gained from a carbon tax could be reinvested to stimulate growth.
"Basically it's cheaper to hire another human being in B.C. and it is more expensive to pollute," said Elgie.
Over time we should move to more and more money going back into people's pockets.- Stewart Elgie, law professor
He said governments should take the British Columbia approach and start a small tax on carbon emissions.
Elgie said B.C.'s model adds six to seven cents to gasoline prices, but isn't breaking the consumer.
"We've looked at the data by sector and there is absolutely no evidence that the carbon tax has had a negative effect on the economy, if anything it's had a slightly positive effect on the economy."
He advocates governments use the tax revenue to cut taxes in other areas.
"Over time we should move to more and more money going back into people's pockets and into income tax cuts."
Another key element for Elgie is an investment in infrastructure that is ready for a greener world.
Carbon pricing revenue could be re-invested into transit infrastructure including refueling stations for electric cars.
It would also create employment opportunities.
"Making an investment now to put in a physical platform for a new economy... creates jobs for people building that structure," said Elgie.
with files from Information Morning Fredericton