Extending Gas Tax Cut to Combat Climate Change
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced today an extension of the gas tax cut until the end of 2024. The decision, touted as a measure to ease the burden on Ontario drivers, has been hailed by the government as a stroke of genius in addressing climate change. Canadian oil companies are dancing in the streets, while environmentalists are quietly fuming (without giving off any climate destroying gas).
The gas tax cut, which was originally implemented as a temporary measure to provide relief during the pandemic, has now been extended indefinitely under the guise of helping Ontarians cope with rising fuel prices. While some may see this as a short-sighted attempt to win over voters, the government insists that it has the environment’s best interests at heart.
“We understand the concerns about climate change, which is why we’re taking decisive action to reduce the cost of gas for hardworking Ontarians,” said Premier Ford in a press conference, conveniently ignoring the fact that reducing the cost of gas only encourages more consumption and exacerbates the very problem they claim to be addressing.
Environmentalists, however, are not convinced.
“This is like trying to put out a fire by pouring gasoline on it,” said Emily Green, spokesperson for Clean Air Ontario. “Instead of investing in sustainable transportation solutions and renewable energy, the government is doubling down on fossil fuels. It’s like they’re living in a different century.”
Indeed, it seems the Ontario government’s approach to combating climate change is to stick its head in the sand and hope for the best. Rather than implementing meaningful policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they’re content to pander to the oil industry and ignore the looming climate crisis.
But fear not, Ontarians, for the government has assured us that they have a plan. In addition to extending the gas tax cut, they will also be launching a new campaign encouraging people to carpool and use public transportation. Because nothing says “we’re serious about climate change” like slashing taxes on gas while simultaneously promoting its use.
In the meantime, Ontario residents can rest easy knowing that their government is hard at work finding new solutions to the climate crisis. And if those solutions happen to involve lining the pockets of Big Oil while the planet burns, well, that’s just a happy coincidence.
It’s not news… but it’s relevant.
