On incentives

The Globe and Mail reports that the Cons are moving to ensure that the oil industry isn't the only source of air quality problems benefitting from federal tax breaks, as Jim Flaherty has declared a giveaway to Ontario tobacco processors:

(T)he Harper government doled out a pre-budget tax break to a select few firms in the tobacco industry on Friday, saying the measure was necessary to protect about 200 jobs.

But it's refusing to say which companies get the surprise break.

The relief, which amounts to $500,000 in forgone tax revenue, will benefit leaf tobacco processors that are not affiliated with tobacco manufacturers, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said...

Mr. Flaherty argued that the tax break doesn't mean the Tories are relaxing anti-smoking efforts.

“Taxation of tobacco products remains a key element of government efforts to control consumption, particularly among our youth.”

Remember that the Cons' track record includes cutting funding to First Nations smoking prevention along with today's giveaway to tobacco producers. In that light, the Cons' supposed dedication to limiting smoking bears a rather disturbing similarity to their claimed interest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions - and Canadians will have yet another reason to breathe easier once the Cons are out of office.

(Edit: typo.)