The B.C. Liberals are not only ignoring Northern residents in their introduction of a carbon tax, they are ignoring the whole province. On July 1, 2008, drivers will begin paying a carbon tax on all fossil fuels; this will add 2.4 cents to already skyrocketing gas prices-and the tax will go up in the next few years. But to offset this new cash grab, Finance Minister Carole Taylor promises cuts in income tax and money credits for residents, including a $100 cheque mailed out to all British Columbians this June - about enough for one fill-up. This cheque is just a temporary Band-Aid for consumers feeling the frustration of an expensive housing market and pricey car insurance; it is a distraction measure.

Fuel prices include a myriad of taxes and this additional tax may make driving completely unaffordable for many people, especially those who can't rely on transit. Included in the price of gasoline already is an Excise Tax, in effect since 1995, and the ever-present GST, which are both charged almost country-wide and come to 14.8 cents a litre. Then there is the BC provincial tax of 14.5 cents. The amount of money the government is already taking from its residents is substantial; if the B.C. Liberals want a cut of gas profit to go to the environment, then they can take it out of the current provincial tax instead. B.C. residents outside of the Lower Mainland do not have the luxury of a mass transit system; it is personal vehicle or nothing, unless they are fit - and brave - enough to cycle or horseback-ride the vast distances between home and work.

The provincial government is hoping this initiative will coax the green-thinking majority metropolis voters onto their side for next year's election. But what the Southerners? may think is a good idea right now will turn around to bite their pocketbook very soon. TransLink continues to increase their fares, and complaints of faulty and unsafe service continue to haunt the system. AirCare is something else Northerners don't have the luxury (or hassle) to deal with. But AirCare was created to cutback emissions. The government has to decide what they want: a tax or a test. Once the tax goes into effect, it won't just be residents to the North crying foul - it will be all British Columbians. And although protest may be subdued now, the B.C. Liberals will feel the full repercussions come election time next year.