BRAUN: Consumers resigned — and resentful — over new tax
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Any pain at the pumps on Monday?
That’s the day consumers had their first taste of the new “pollution pricing” — aka, the federal government’s carbon tax.
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BRAUN: Consumers resigned — and resentful — over new tax Back to video
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Around the GTA, filling up with regular unleaded at most gas stations cost in the neighbourhood of $1.20 per litre, with prices moving higher (up to 1.28 a litre) in the northern parts of the province.
Gas is expected to cost $1.27 a litre in Toronto by Wednesday.
The federal carbon tax started Monday in the four provinces — Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan — that don’t have a carbon pricing system in place. The new tax is described as crucial to combat climate change, and consumers have been promised they’ll get 80% – 90% of their money back in the form of a rebate at tax time.
Consumer reaction could be summed up as resigned, albeit resentful.
A quick survey through several downtown gas stations found most people in agreement with doing what has to be done to fight climate change. But few had much faith that this new tax was the best way to do it.
Kevin Brown, filling up the family car to the tune of about $80, said he thought gas prices were very high.
“It’s killing us,” he said.
Another consumer, Edwin Dawson, said he didn’t like the new tax but could see the point of it to benefit the environment.
Like most of the other people surveyed, he could also see the cascade effect of higher gas prices — that the price of food and all other basics will likely go up based on higher transport and delivery costs.
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“It’s definitely necessary,” said Dawson, “But I think there’s probably a better plan.”
Asked if he thought consumers would get their money back at tax time, Dawson laughed out loud.
“I don’t see that happening.”
Margaret Deutsch, who commutes daily from Oshawa, said she was a bit shocked at the increased price when she filled up.
“I do believe in protecting the environment, but I’m not sure this is the way to do it,” she said. And does she think consumers will get their money back come tax time?
“No!” said Deutsch.
Adam Wylde, who was filling up at a gas station on Yonge St., said he was in general agreement with the new federal tax for environmental reasons, noting it was better than nothing.
He, too, acknowledged that the cost of anything that’s transported would likely go up, but expressed a hope that the new tax might inspire people to consider other options, such as electric vehicles.
Like most people, Wylde doesn’t think consumers will ever be reimbursed for the new tax.
“Governments in the past have been good at creative accounting.”
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