Regulate carmakers, say 94 per cent of Canadians

Catholic New Times, May 23, 2004

OTTAWA -- Canadians overwhelmingly support the use of regulation to meet Canada's Kyoto target of improving the fuel efficiency of passenger vehicles by 25 per cent, says a new poll released May 5 by the Sierra Club of Canada.

The poll by Environics Research Group, found that 94 per cent of Canadians support fuel efficiency regulations requiring better mileage in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions from Canadian cars and trucks.

Overwhelming majorities of Canadians across gender, language and income groups from all provinces support government regulation, requiring carmakers to improve the fuel economy of the vehicles they make, the poll finds. Public support for cleaner cars also cuts across party lines, with 96 per cent of Liberal, 91 per cent of Conservative, 96 per cent of NDP and 92 per cent of Bloc voters supporting fuel efficiency regulations. The poll also shows Canadians favour regulation even if cars cost more or if there will be less choice.

"Nearly every Canadian wants the government to regulate," said John Bennett, senior policy advisor with the Sierra Club of Canada.

Canadian carmakers have said no to the federal government's goal of a 25 per cent increase in fuel efficiency by 2010, and time is running out because auto-makers claim they need four to six years lead time for new vehicles. The auto industry has a long history of putting off new fuel efficiency standards. A powerful industry lobby has defeated every attempt to improve fuel efficiency in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives since 1986.

"Canadians from coast to coast to coast are saying the government should abandon its futile voluntary strategy and do what governments are supposed to do--regulate. The time to do it is now," said Shawn-Patrick Stensil, director of Atmosphere and Energy for the Sierra Club.