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Response to MLA Ron Orr’s “The Carrot Or The Stick”

Ponoka News reader responds to Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ron Orr's recent op-ed about the carrot and the stick.
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Letters

Dear Editor,

Poor Ron, he’s so far behind, he thinks he’s first.

His fear mongering is similar to someone else we’ve all been hearing and seeing on the news as of late. Only the good Lord knows where he comes up with these numbers and figures. If only he would go to the website and look up “Carbon Levy and Rebates,” the facts are there.

There’s no doubt that some families and businesses will feel the effects of this tax. However, that’s why the government has started sending out rebate checks for Alberta families; it’s also why the government slashed the small business tax from 3 per cent to 2 per cent.

While there is little short-term gain for most people, there will be long-term gains for all of our children who will have to adopt and adjust to the reality that fossil fuels are finite.

It is time to come up with a plan for the future. Our previous government was content to stay going with the boom and bust cycle of the oil and gas industry and allow big business to control the agendas.

Do you think corporations give a hoot about you and the effects their decisions have on so many young families? I’m sure you know people that have been caught up in the boom and bust cycle. It really disrupts their lives and their pocket book.

Oil and gas is good for now and we will still need it for years to come but we need to come up with a framework that will benefit all and our environment. Some may say, “What can I do?” I believe that part of the answer (along with many other industrialized countries) is to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

If we can slow down the effects that carbon has on the environment it may give us time to transition to alternate sources of power. Innovation is the key. The NDP have a long-term plan and are making the tough decisions, however unpopular.

Our kids and their kids will reap the benefits. Let’s not be short sighted, we (the world) are at a crossroads, we need to take control of our destiny and act now.

Carl Vallieres