Why Boycotting Gasoline to Fight the Carbon Tax Could Backfire on Canadians

Recently, a movement has been growing in Canada. It’s asking people not to buy gas from April 1st to April 7th. The goal is to get the government to get rid of the carbon tax. This tax makes it more expensive to use fossil fuels, hoping to cut down on pollution. But there are a few reasons why this plan might not work out as hoped and could even end up causing problems for Canadians.

First and foremost, the proposed gasoline purchase boycott is unlikely to yield the intended pressure on the government to repeal the carbon tax. Such short-term boycotts often do not significantly impact government policies, especially those as integral as environmental levies. The carbon tax is part of a broader strategy to meet national and international climate commitments. A one-week reduction in gasoline sales is unlikely to prompt a reconsideration of these long-term goals.

Moreover, the idea that temporarily abstaining from buying gasoline can lead to a permanent change in policy underestimates the complexity of government revenue and expenditure planning. The carbon tax is not just a tool for environmental policy; it’s also a source of revenue that the government reallocates to various programs, including rebates to low- and middle-income families to offset the higher costs of energy. Disrupting this ecosystem abruptly could have unintended financial consequences.

Small businesses, particularly those in rural areas, could be disproportionately affected by a gasoline purchase boycott. Many of these businesses rely on the weekly turnover from fuel sales to manage their cash flow and operational expenses. A significant drop in sales, even for just one week, could pose financial hardships, potentially leading to layoffs or closures. The impact on these small businesses would directly affect local communities, possibly leading to job losses and economic downturns in areas least able to afford them.

Ironically, the boycott could also have unintended environmental consequences. If large numbers of Canadians opt to “stock up” on gasoline before April 1st or rush to fill their tanks after April 7th, the short-term spike in demand could lead to increased fuel transportation and distribution activities. These activities themselves are carbon-intensive, potentially negating any emissions savings from reduced gasoline consumption during the boycott week.

For those who are really worried about the carbon tax and its effects, there are better ways to make a difference. Getting involved in public meetings, supporting clean energy projects, and pushing for bigger and better climate actions can be more effective ways to contribute to the conversation about the carbon tax and taking care of the environment.

It’s time to stop complaining and start acting. We created this environmental challenge, and now it’s our responsibility to fix it. Let’s shift our focus from short-term protests to long-term solutions that truly address the root of the problem.