Tory minister takes on carbon taxes ahead of expected federal election call

Campbell's Liberals introduced an escalating carbon tax last July as part of the provincial government's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one-third by 2020.

The federal Liberals have made a similar carbon tax a major part of their federal election platform.

Lunn, the Conservative MP of the Victoria area Saanich-Gulf Islands riding, said Tuesday that carbon taxes are a poor approach to fighting global warming.

"I'm saying that I categorically disagree with a carbon tax," he said after a luncheon meeting in Victoria. "I think it's fundamentally the wrong approach and I would say that to anybody who brings in that policy."

Lunn said the Conservatives will focus their attacks on federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's environmental plans, which include a carbon tax.

The federal cabinet minister said it doesn't matter if it offends Campbell.

"I think bringing in a carbon tax (has) got to be one of the policy initiatives that I could not disagree with it more," he said. "I'm trying to tame my words here. Tell me, (when was) the last time you had a government come out and say, 'listen we want to give you a new tax, so that we can give it back to you?' I just don't buy it."

The B.C. government's carbon tax, which currently adds 2.5 cents per litre of gasoline and other fuels, was billed by the government as revenue neutral when it was introduced in last February's budget. The government said the revenues generated from the tax will be returned to British Columbians in the form of income tax reductions.

Environmental groups supported the carbon tax, saying placing a tax on carbon forces consumers and businesses to choose products or alternatives that contain or produce less carbon.

Lunn said the Tories plan to place tough anti-pollution regulations on industry instead.

"Every government has got to be accountable for their own policy initiatives," he said."They have to be able to stand up there and defend them on the doorstep, as do I on my record. "

A B.C. political scientist said the carbon tax issue could leave voters scratching their heads in confusion if it becomes a major issue during the coming federal campaign.

"It looks almost like a kind of a split personality for voters on the right," said Dennis Pilon of the University of Victoria. "They're expected to line up behind the right wing party provincially, who's defending their carbon tax, and rally to the right wing party federally who's against the carbon tax."

Campbell's Liberals and the federal Conservatives have maintained good relations over the years, with both parties co-operating on the Winter Olympics and promoting trade and development with Asia, especially China.

Pilon said the two normally friendly parties could end up feuding over the carbon tax during the election.

"Obviously, many of the same people who vote for the federal Conservatives also vote for the provincial Liberals," he said. "You have people who are on both (party and riding) executives. They're going to try and avoid that, but it may be that they can't avoid it."

The B.C. finance minister and the environment minister were not available for comment.

B.C. Finance Minister Colin Hansen has said that the B.C. government needed to do a better job informing British Columbians about the carbon tax.