Canada greenhouse gas ‘violators’ would pay under Liberal plan

OTTAWA (AFP) – Polluters releasing more than their share of the so-called greenhouse gases responsible for global warming would be slapped with fines under a plan unveiled Friday by opposition Liberals.

The plan — which could come into effect under a Liberal government from January 2008 if the party is returned to power — would charge companies 20 Canadian dollars (17 US) per tonne of carbon dioxide released in excess of the company’s “carbon budget” and jump to 30 dollars (25 US) in 2011.


“We cannot keep using our atmosphere as a dump,” Liberal boss Stephane Dion, as he presented the “pay as you pollute” plan.

Companies staying below their quotas could reap rewards by selling their rights to pollute.

AFP