ACTION ALERT: End fossil fuel subsidies!

The Canadian government is subsidizing the fossil fuel industry to the tune of $1.38 billion
per year. $1.38 billion per year means:

• $3,780,822 per day.
• $157,534 per hour.
• $2,625.57 per minute.
• $43.76 per second.

Say what!?

That’s right. Despite all of the clear evidence that we are facing a serious climate crisis as well as diminishing conventional energy resources, our government continues to subsidize some of the world’s richest corporations that are responsible for serious social and ecological damage. 

Subsidies drive more production, which drives more emissions.

On September 25, 2009 Prime Minister Harper committed to start phasing out subsidies at the G20 in Pittsburgh – but the money keeps flowing.

Ending fossil fuel subsidies is a no-brainer. It’s simple. Stop giving oil, coal and gas industries subsidies.

The reality is that this is one small step – we need far better from the Canadian government.

We need policies that end new fossil fuel exploration and projects, regulate greenhouse gas emissions without loopholes like offsets and repay our climate debt to the Global South. We need to stop trying to become an energy super power and focus on generating energy to meet community, and Canadian needs – while ensuring energy is used as efficiently and sparingly – in the least environmentally and socially destructive methods possible. We need to invest in the right areas like energy conservation and efficiency, public and community ownership of renewable energy, public transit and sustainable agriculture.

What can you do?

• Call, e-mail, or meet with your MP: Ask them what they will do to ensure that the Canadian government ends subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. Tell them about how you think $1.38 billion per year should be spent.

• Climate Action Network Canada is tracking MPs responses, email cjohn@climateactionnetwork.ca with an update on whether your MP supports ending fossil fuel subsidies.

Here are some helpful talking and background points: There are much better ways to spend $1.38 billion per year.  Increased conservation and energy efficiency measures. Supporting public and community ownership of renewable energy.  Repayment of climate debt to the Global South. Just transition strategies for workers and communities impacted by the shift off of fossil fuels. Public transit. Sustainable agriculture. These are all areas far more worthy of spending; areas that will help Canada take the necessary steps in ending our dependence on fossil fuels. According to a recent poll Canadians recognize that addressing the climate crisis requires some fundamental changes. Polls also show that 70% of Canadians support ending fossil fuel subsidies. Subsidies are a method for government to give monetary support to certain industries. It can take various forms including tax breaks, loan guarantees, shifting industry costs to the public purse and government spending on areas that are complimentary to industry interests. Go here to know more about how the Canadian government is subsidizing the fossil fuel industry.