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Cap and Trade talks must include labour not just corporations
April 15, 2008
Broader discussion needed on fundamental changes
The B.C. Federation of Labour is calling on the Campbell government to put labour representatives on the Climate Action Team immediately. The Climate Action Team includes academics, First Nations, business and environmental representatives, but no voice or input from the labour movement.
"A Cap and Trade system will have a profound effect on workers and communities," said Jim Sinclair, Federation President. "The Campbell government has consulted extensively with corporations but he has ignored workers, unions and the labour movement."
The B.C. Federation of Labour wants to ensure a Cap and Trade system includes provisions that protect vulnerable industries, workers and communities.
"As we work to fight climate change, it's crucial we have a fair and just transition. Right now, we're moving too quickly to a Cap and Trade system that suits corporations, offers them unreasonable secrecy and potential windfall profits, but ignores entirely the needs of workers."
The Federation is also calling for a system that auctions off all pollution permits. "We've seen mistakes made in Europe where companies received free pollution permits and generated windfall profits while doing nothing to fight climate change," Sinclair added.
A carbon import tax on goods produced in countries which refuse to implement serious measures to reduce carbon emissions is also required. Carbon import taxes are being considered in Europe and the United States.
"We will kill jobs and investment in BC if we toughen up our standards but continue to allow the free flow of goods from dirty companies operating offshore," said Sinclair. "Not only will jobs disappear but rather than help deal with the climate crisis we will be contributing to the problem, a lose-lose scenario by any description."
A recent Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce study calls for the imposition of the carbon tax on all imported goods to ensure the survival of the industrial base in Canada.
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For more information: Evan Stewart, B.C. Federation of Labour, Director of Communications (604) 430-1421 or (604) 220-3095.
