It seems like every time we turn around, the carbon tax and environmental policies are at the forefront of political debates. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre recently reiterated his call for an election focused on the carbon tax, claiming it’s devastating to the Canadian economy. While this might grab headlines and stir up heated discussions, I can’t help but feel there are far more pressing matters that deserve our attention.

Let’s start with the basics. Canadians are grappling with skyrocketing costs of living. Groceries, housing, energy bills—they’re all climbing faster than wages. Families are making tough choices, not about whether to drive electric cars or plant more trees, but about whether they can afford to keep the lights on or put food on the table. A carbon tax might have its merits in the grand scheme of combating climate change, but when you’re trying to stretch a paycheck to last the month, it’s hard to care about a tax that’s supposed to benefit future generations. People live in the here and now.

What about healthcare? Our hospitals are struggling, wait times are getting longer, and finding a family doctor is like winning the lottery in some provinces. Seniors, who’ve worked hard all their lives, are facing inadequate care because of staffing shortages and underfunded programs. Shouldn’t fixing that take precedence over obsessing about carbon pricing?

Then there’s the matter of jobs. Poilievre raises an interesting point about the risk of businesses fleeing south due to rising costs. But it’s not just about keeping companies here; it’s about creating meaningful employment opportunities for Canadians, especially in rural areas where good-paying jobs are often scarce. Instead of focusing solely on climate-related industries, why not prioritize investment in sectors that address immediate needs, like manufacturing or infrastructure?

I’m also a firm believer that the working man’s paycheck should not be taxed or taken by the fancy suits who sit in their fancy offices. There are already enough taxes to go around without dipping into someone’s hard-earned wages. Let people keep more of what they earn, and you’ll see our economy grow immensely. Give people more money, and they will spend more money—building homes, starting businesses, and fueling industries. It’s a simple concept, but one that seems to elude those in power.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not against protecting the environment. I live in Northern Ontario, where nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a way of life. But there’s a balance to be struck, and right now, the scale feels lopsided. We’re piling on costs for ordinary folks under the banner of climate responsibility while ignoring the struggles they face daily.

It’s not just Poilievre who’s out of touch. The entire political sphere seems wrapped up in these grand narratives that overshadow the smaller, more personal battles Canadians fight every day. A warm house, an affordable meal, access to a doctor—these are the things that matter most to people. Maybe it’s time our leaders stopped fixating on sweeping policies like the carbon tax and started addressing the essentials.

So, while politicians debate who’s the real villain when it comes to carbon pricing, I’ll be here, like many of you, wondering when they’ll focus on what truly matters. The environment is important, but let’s not forget the fundamentals. Because if we don’t take care of the basics, what kind of future are we really leaving for the next generation?

Until next time—keep your minds open and your stories alive! GW