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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 22, 2008 - 3 Dion says Green Shift won't hurt taxpayers Continued from page 1 It was also pointed out that this is not a revenue tax, like the GST, and as such Canadians will not see it at the cash register. In phase two of the plan, the money raised from taxing polluters would be used to fund a tax cut for all Canadians. "Is this a bold plan? Absolutely," said Halton MP Garth Turner, who hosted Dion's visit."Is it controversial? You bet. Can it happen? Can it work? We're convinced it is the right thing to do." As grand as the plan sounds, the Liberals noted there were additional costs involved after the plan is in place for four years. The cost of filling a barbecue propane tank is expected to rise less than a dollar, while heating a home with heating oil would cost $200 more a year and heating a home with natural gas would cost $240 more a year. That said, the party plans to drop income tax levels with the lowest rate falling from 15 per cent to 13.5 per cent (affecting people making $37,885 or less), the second rate falling from 22 per cent to 21 per cent (affecting people making between $38,885 and $75,769) and the third rate dropping from 26 per cent to 25 per cent (affecting people making between $75,769 and $123,184). Beyond the cost savings, however, Dion emphasized another reason why those present should listen to what he had to say. "We are here tonight because we care about our children and grandchildren," said Dion to thunderous applause. "We don't want to be the first generation of Canadians who would pass onto the next generation a quality of life that will go down instead of up." Dion said the challenges that could prevent Canadians from passing on a better quality of life to their children are very real and include both climate change and the rising cost of fossil fuels. "They are linked together," he said."The main way by which we are putting so much greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere is through the burning of fossil fuels. This contributes to the emissions that are keeping the heat of the sun longer than it should and creating global warming." While Dion believes action needs to be taken to protect the environment, he also noted the inefficient use of fossil fuels is hurting the economy. He singled out Ontario and how jobs are being lost in the manufacturing sector because the rising cost of energy. "It is affecting our industrial sector, our agriculture, our forestry, our ability to be competitive in the world," he said. "Many countries have understood that and have undertaken reforms, become less dependent on fossil fuels and developed new resources of energy and become more energy efficient." With his presentation complete Dion took questions from the audience. One woman, who operates a business requiring her to drive constantly, asked Dion why she should be punished with a carbon tax. "We are all polluters, all of us and some of us are bigger polluters than others," said Dion. Dion said his plan would give polluters four years to adapt before they feel the full weight of the carbon tax. He also reiterated that his plan would not increase taxes on gasoline. To find out more about Dion's plan visit www.thegreenshift.ca. Come visit our new 10,000 sq ft. showroom Made In Canada DANCE MUSIC MUSICAL THEATRE DRAMA FINE ARTS PRE-K AFTERNOON ARTS ADVENTURE CAMPS BIRTHDAY PARTIES Offering Oakville the finest in arts exploration and development. Made In Canada Registration Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-8:00 pm Friday 8:30-6:00 pm Saturday 9:30-5:00 pm Made In Canada Best Children's Dance, Music and Theatre Instruction Year after Year www.oakvilleacademy.com 1011 Upper Middle Road East & Eighth Line 905.844.ARTS (2787) 1029 Speers Rd.,Oakville 905.842.3739 Speers Rd. & 4th Line (Main Location) www.joshuacreekfurniture.com 7 Time Winner