08-24-2021, 12:02 PM
(08-24-2021, 11:13 AM)jamincan Wrote: Neither party is going to meet our emissions targets. Neither party is going to take serious measures to address the housing crisis. Neither party is going to address growing income inequality.
I do think the Liberals' climate plan is credible, with CO2 prices ramping up to $150, and the revenues being returned on a strict per-capita basis (you get back the same amount regardless of your income or the amount you "spend" on CO2). I don't know whether we'll hit the target but it should at least get us close. The NDP climate plan appears fairly similar, with some loopholes (what are they?) additionally being closed.
The Conservatives' plan looks similar at first glance but the CO2 prices top out at $40 which is nowhere near enough. Worse, their "savings account" refunds increase with the amount you "spend" on CO2, so the big CO2 spenders get more money back, removing the incentive to cut back on fossil fuel usage.
Housing ... I like NDP's target of 100K affordable units per year. I do wonder whether it's achievable -- think 1,700 units per year in the region. Even with the fast-start funds, will there be enough developers, enough contractors, and, most importantly, enough available and appropriately zoned land available?
As for income inequality, NDP proposes a minimal increase to the top marginal rate and a wealth tax for "the very richest" so I don't think these will move the needle much. Their proposed 75% capital gains inclusion rate will have a bigger impact, but notably it will also hit some of the middle class -- anyone saving and investing beyond the RRSP contribution limits. The bigger impact is the prioritization of guaranteed basic income, but there is not much detail in the platform about this. (I think the costing of the spending and revenues is waiting for the PBO, I do want to see that.)