Gas tax unfair to rural residents, MLA says

By CAROLYN GRANT
Kimberley Daily Bulletin

May 5, 2008

With gas prices soaring towards $1.30 per litre and beyond, the last think most people want to contemplate is a gas tax.  But that’s exactly what’s in store in British Columbia drivers as on July 1, 2008 the new consumer based carbon tax will add 2.4 cents to every litre of gasoline sold in the province.

And while Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald applauds the intent of some of the government’s green initiatives, he says the gas tax is unfair to rural residents.

“There is no recognition that different parts of the province have different needs,” he said.  “Rural areas have different service needs and fewer options.  I understand the intent is to drive people to transit, which is great for urban residents but do not have the transit opportunities available in cities.
“The gas tax doesn’t recognize rural realities.  We drive bigger vehicles because winter driving conditions and the dangers of elk and deer.”
Macdonald also says the tax will hit industries like forestry, that are already struggling, especially hard.
“It’s no huge money but it’s just one more thing and gas prices are really pushing up already.”
Macodnald says that the concerns he is voicing are not just his but that he is hearing exactly the same thing from his constituents as he travels the riding.