Canadians do not see a “clear path forward” on climate programs, question the point of federal regulations and are wary of the cost, new research by the Natural Resources Department said.
There was “too much money spent too soon and too many risks taken,” according to the report.
“Lack of a clear path forward combined with aggressive targets were seen as a cause for concern for many,” wrote researchers in the report Energy Transition and Energy Affordability Perceptions Study. “The most recent commitments to reaching net-zero emissions as well as headlines pertaining to phasing out new gas-powered passenger vehicles by 2035 left many concerned the transition to clean energy may be overly ambitious or aggressive.
“As much as they value a transition, there is a sense it must be done correctly and at the right pace otherwise too many jobs will be lost too quickly, too much money spent too soon and too many risks taken.”
Article content
Recommended from Editorial
-
GOLDSTEIN: Subsidizing EVs isn’t about saving the environment
-
GOLDSTEIN: Carbon pricing to cost workers $6,700 annually: report
The findings came from 16 focus groups nationwide.
The department paid $116,253 for the study by Quorus Consulting Group Inc.
Canadians surveyed were mostly supportive of “transitioning to clean energy,” but many expressed unease over costs.
“Energy costs are an ongoing concern for many participants, especially among lower-income households,” the report said. “The rising costs are seen in the context of everything getting more expensive due to inflation.
“A few blamed the carbon tax for higher energy bills.”
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Others questioned the fairness of programs like $5,000 federal rebates for electric car buyers at the expense of taxpayers “who do not own a vehicle and who do not want or cannot afford to own one.”
Canadians also had concerns about job losses due to federal mandates, according to the report.
“A few were concerned with the job losses associated with a transition away from fossil fuels, a concern that was more acute in regions such as Alberta and certain rural areas in the Prairies,” said the report.
Share this article in your social network
