End subsidies to oil and gas companies, Greens say
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 | 7:18 PM ET
CBC News
Harris said in Calgary that companies should be stripped of federal subsidies and tax incentives until they meet some markers in energy efficiency and emissions reductions.
Harris said his party would reallocate $1.5 billion over five years to contract 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy for resale if it wins the Jan. 23 federal election. As well, it would secure steady financing for light-rail and subway initiatives, and make transit passes tax deductible.
Harris said profit-rich energy companies are in a position to finance their own research, without taxpayers' dollars.
"Mr. Martin says he supports the Kyoto plan, but if you actually look at it, in the last year there were $1.4 billion in subsidies to oil and gas interests. And this is at the time these companies are making the highest profits in their existence."
Green party candidate Kim Wernke said part of the plan could be a tough sell in a city that has made its riches in oil.
Still, she thinks a tide shift is starting, when it comes to cleaning up and protecting the environment.
"A lot of people in Alberta use the land on a regular basis. They visit it, they live on it, we have a large rural contingent. And so people see the changes that are happening and they're concerned."
