NOEL DOES NOT KNOW THE GREENSHIFT

I heard the Liberal Candidate in St. John's East in conversation with Randy Simms on VOCM Line this morning and it drove home why many Liberals and myself are staying away this time. Walter Noel has not been gracious in defeat.

He has soured his once strong reputation as a conciliator and visionary. Instead of talking about issues Walter decides to go personal and attack Kathy Dunderdale and Jack Harris on a personal basis. It reflects poorly on him and makes his difficult position even worse. It is really sad to watch.

When Walter did discuss policy he jumped on the NDP plan for the environment. He put forward an ill informed interpretation of his own Party's plan and turned a strength into a weakness. Just yesterday I wrote on P&P that I preferred a mix of the NDP cap and credit plan and the Green Shift. Last night I read an address by Liberal Rural Caucus Chair Larry Bagnell where he explained the plan which includes plans for a cap and trade system. $400 million will be allocated over four years for Emissions Reduction Credits. The credits will be delivered as refundable tax credits.

Dion himself explained the changes in in early September:

Mr. Dion explained that the Emissions Reduction Credits will work as a bridge towards a cap and trade system that will be created under a new Liberal government in addition to the Liberal green shift plan.

“I have said before that I would like to bring in a cap and trade system that puts a price on carbon and rewards emission reductions,” said Mr. Dion. “As we develop our cap and trade system in the coming years, our Emissions Reduction Credits will immediately provide a financial incentive for practices such as minimum-till farming and carbon storage.”

If Walter even has someone doing policy for him this time flip over to the Liberal Green Shift web page and get his positions straight. At least than he will just sound desperate, not ill-informed and desperate.