Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion revealed details of his party's $15.4-billion carbon tax plan Thursday, a proposal he pledged to be revenue neutral by offsetting the higher costs for burning fossil fuels with broad-based tax cuts.

The proposal would mean new taxes on Canadian industries that produce high carbon emissions and by the fourth year of the plan, the increased cost to an average home could be $225 to $250 per year. However, the Green Shift ,as its known, will be offset by income tax cuts.

Dion claims the plan will be "good for the environment and good for the economy — good for the planet, good for the wallet."

Ross McKitrick

What will this plan mean for you? How does carbon taxing work? What are the benefits and the trade-offs?

Dr. Ross McKitrick is an Associate Professor of Environmental Economics at the University of Guelph, and coauthor of Taken By Storm: The Troubled Science, Policy and Politics of Global Warming.

On Tuesday, June 24 he took your questions on the carbon tax plan.

Read his answers after the jump.

In their new book - Start Fresh - fitness advocates and former Olympians Diane Clement and Dr. Doug Clement say it's never too late to turn around an unhealthy lifestyle.

Not enough exercise, poor eating habits and stressful work lives have turned most middle-aged North Americans into health problems waiting to happen.

The Clements say making four simple changes in your life - maintaining proper body weight and waist size, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and not smoking - will increase your odds of remaining productive, independent and healthy as you age.

Diane Clement was a sprinter on the 1956 Canadian Olympic team and a bronze medallist two years later at the Commonwealth Games. She's an accomplished chef and cookbook author.

Doug Clement is a former Olympic and Commonwealth games athlete and coach. He taught and practiced sports medicine for more than 20 years at the University of British Columbia.

Read their answers to your questions after the jump.

According to a recent long-range forecast from Environment Canada, the country is in for a hot, sweaty summer.

Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips said Wednesday temperatures for June, July and August could be well above average for the season. Read the full story here.

While balmy weather is great for sun-seekers, a rise in the mercury also means increased demand for electricity.

What can you do to stay cool and remain energy conscious? How can you battle the heat in an eco-friendly way?

Sally Glover

Sally Glover is the founder and editor of
Living Green Toronto, a website dedicated to all things green — from city planning to culture, architecture, food, and housing.

On Monday, June 9 Sally took your questions on beating the heat while staying green.

Read her answers after the jump.

General Motors' decision to close four manufacturing plants, including GM's pickup truck plant in Oshawa which will leave 2,600 employees out of work, has come under fire by workers and union leaders. Read the full story here.

GM CEO Rick Wagoner said Tuesday that higher gasoline prices are rapidly changing the auto industry sales mix, as consumers shift away from large trucks and SUVs. Wagoner claims shifting consumer demand has ultimately led to the plant closures.

David Paterson is Vice President of Corporate and Environmental Affairs, and a member of the Board of Directors for General Motors of Canada Limited. He is responsible for GMCL's government, media and community relations, employee communications and environmental performance. According to him, "it doesn't make sense to have a plant producing vehicles that nobody is going to be buying."

David Paterson

David Paterson took your questions on GM's decision to close Oshawa's plant and the reality of shifting consumer demands.

Read his answers after the jump.