robin adair
VANCOUVER ISLAND – The chant “abolish the (carbon) tax” is echoing across the country, and national polling shows it's a very resonant message.
To understand the political shift, attend Conservative Party rallies in areas like Duncan, Nanaimo and Port Alberni, where working families and young people enthusiastically respond to Pierre Poièvre's anti-tax message. It's enough just to look at it. And why did the people of Uniontown suddenly change allegiance and leave decades of support for the federal New Democratic Party?
It's not just high taxes, as average Canadians feel increasingly marginalized and ignored by those in power. They don't want to accept it anymore.
National polls show a majority of Canadians believe the country is failing and are dissatisfied with its direction. These surveys show universal dissatisfaction among all age groups in all regions. After eight years, it's clear that many view Trudeau's liberal activist policies as irresponsible and out of time.
We are in the midst of a cultural reset as we determine a “new Canadian way.” We have traditionally prided ourselves on being honest, hardworking and innovative, and these will continue to be our values as we strive to rebuild our industry and society and look to the future of our children. It should continue to be a touchstone for us. Creating a greener, more sustainable environment remains a priority, but it must be done in partnership with industry. LNG is a great example of a cleaner energy source that can heal our planet while strengthening economic returns.
“Pay your taxes” remains a catchy phrase, but the power behind it is what we hope will lead to a new way of doing things in Canada. It's time for governments to stop playing the big brother role and instead become the ballast for businesses, workers and families, as they promise to do at every four-year election. No more bloated bureaucracies with a healthy dose of virtue signaling. It's time to do things differently.
Robin Adair is co-host of Victoria Rumble Room
