With a federal election now underway in Canada, the focus should be on new, green infrastructure, not a national carbon tax, argues Tom Kent.
"A carbon tax will be hotly debated [in this election]; but to make it the centrepiece of an election platform is to ignore the troubles of Canadians.
The need is for public investment. It is to undertake infrastructure projects that green the economy, that strengthen it, and that employ people now.
One major need is to create a power grid linking Canada's energy resources from sea to sea. Quebec's and Manitoba's hydro could quickly relieve Ontario's energy shortage. [M]uch can be done to shift freight traffic [to rail] and, incidentally, improve passenger service. There are many sections of line across Canada where an additional track could be laid on the existing right of way.
This is the time for capital investments. The sooner they're made, the sooner a carbon tax will be appropriate in a stronger economy."
FULL STORY: Let's think modern infrastructure, not carbon tax
Washington Voters Keep Carbon Tax
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Canadian Supreme Court Upholds Carbon Tax
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
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