Campbell's gas tax is a failure that punishes working families during tough times

Burnaby - Scrapping the Campbell gas tax puts $1.8 billion back in the pockets or average families and businesses over the next two and a half years, said NDP Leader Carole James today.

"Gordon Campbell is the only leader in the western world who thinks it's a good idea to raise taxes in today's tough economy," said James. "His plan hits families struggling to make ends meet and businesses trying to make a profit in the recession.

"Campbell's plan to triple the gas tax by 2012 will drive business costs even higher and in today's economy that means more job losses," said James. "Last fall the BC Business Council asked Premier Campbell to halt the increases. He refused. Now, with job losses piling up it's even more critical to scrap this tax."

James said British Columbians want to do their share to fight climate change, but Campbell's gas tax has failed to reduce emissions. New Statistics Canada data reveals that fuel consumption climbed four per cent since the gas tax was imposed - the second biggest increase in Canada.

"The Campbell government predicted a three per cent emission reduction with the gas tax. The reality is that the prediction was wrong. Fuel use and the resulting emissions increased last year. The evidence says the tax is a failure," said James.

"Campbell's tax also hits families hard, adds costs to health care and education, and hurts our economy at the worst possible time. We should be lowering the burden on families during the recession. Instead Campbell has added up to $300 in fuel costs for the average family."

James said she would scrap the tax and implement a cap and trade program along with a significant increase in green technology investments.

"My plan is similar to Barack Obama's. We will cap emissions, expand transit and promote green infrastructure," she said. "Our approach will reduce emissions more effectively, stimulate the economy, and make life more affordable.

"Gordon Campbell will triple an ineffective tax that doesn't put a cent into the alternatives people need to reduce emissions. The NDP will reduce taxes, protect public services and take real action to fight climate change," said James.