Ottawa

Great Moments in Farce

Conservative MP Mark Warawa, addressing the House on December 5, 2011.

Mr. Speaker, Europe addressed the issue of the price of carbon continentally. We have said that we will deal with the issue of a cap and trade agreement continentally, if the United States does the same thing continentally. The United States has a target of a 20% reduction of 2005 levels by 2020. We have exactly the same target. We are doing it continentally.

When we brush the facade off the question, it is: Do we support a carbon tax?

Absolutely not. We heard from the member for Vancouver East just moments ago saying that Bill C-469 was a wonderful bill and it passed through the House. That was because of the coalition that had come together to support a carbon tax. Canadians said no to a carbon tax. That is one of the big reasons why the Conservative Party is the Government of Canada.

Little did Mr. Warawa know that just six months later, Peter Kent would declare that cap-and-trade and a carbon tax were the same thing. That means that here Mr. Warawa was, in fact, confirming the possibility of implementing a carbon tax (at least so far as the Harper government has decided to define it), while also stating the government’s categorical opposition to a carbon tax. In fairness to Mr. Warawa, it is difficult to keep up.

Here, again, is everything you need to know about the Conservative farce.

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.