• Manitobans reject carbon taxes according to government survey

WINNIPEG, MB: Results from the Manitoba government’s carbon tax survey show that 59 per cent of those who provided comments oppose carbon taxes, according to analysis done by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF). The CTF obtained the survey comments through a freedom-of-information request.

“The Manitoba government asked what people think of carbon taxes and people sent a clear message: Manitobans don’t want a carbon tax,” said Todd MacKay, Prairie Director for the CTF. “Premier Brian Pallister needs to listen to the people and oppose a carbon tax.”

The Manitoba government ran its online Climate and Green Plan survey from Mar. 3 to Mar. 31. While the survey failed to ask respondents whether or not they support a carbon tax, 3,700 people provided comments. The CTF has analysed those comments and more than 59 per cent of those who commented clearly oppose a carbon tax.

The government survey results reflect a Mainstreet Research poll that shows 50 per cent of Manitobans oppose a carbon tax, while only 39 per cent support it and 11 per cent are unsure. When asked whether a referendum should be held prior to the implementation of a carbon tax, the Mainstreet poll found that 60 per cent of Manitobans agree that a carbon tax cannot be imposed without putting it to a vote.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business surveyed Manitoba businesses and found that 62 per cent oppose a carbon tax, while only 20 per cent support it and 18 per cent are unsure.

The Progressive Conservative platform clearly promises to restore “Manitobans’ right to vote on any proposed major tax increases.

“It’s wrong for Premier Pallister to side with the federal government to force a carbon tax on Manitobans against their will,” said MacKay. “If Premier Pallister wants to impose a carbon tax, he needs to get permission from the people and keep his campaign promise by holding a referendum.”

All 3,700 comments can be downloaded here: http://www.taxpayer.com/media/Background.MBCarbontaxsurveycomments.pdf

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For more information, please contact:

Todd MacKay – CTF Prairie Director – 306-582-7717 – [email protected]

(CTF Prairie Director Todd MacKay will be available for comment in Winnipeg)