Introduction

As Canada heads toward another critical election, two major policy issues dominate the political landscape: the future of the carbon tax and the potential for an American-style healthcare system under a Conservative government.

Recent developments have shaken the debate further—newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney issued an executive order to eliminate the federal carbon tax, effective April 1, 2025. British Columbia swiftly followed suit, signaling a shift in climate policy across the country.

But is this a permanent change or a strategic stunt to win votes? And if the Conservatives take power, would Canadians face a privatized healthcare system resembling the U.S.?

This blog explores these key questions, examines what’s at stake for the future, and ultimately asks: Are we voting for parties or policies?

The Fall of the Carbon Tax: A Political Stunt or a Permanent Shift?

Carney’s First Executive Order: A Trump-Like Move?

Mark Carney wasted no time in making headlines. His first executive order as Prime Minister was to eliminate the federal carbon tax, effective April 1, 2025. This move echoes strategies seen in U.S. politics, where leaders make sweeping decisions early in their term to signal strong leadership.

B.C.’s Premier David Eby quickly followed suit, announcing that the province would completely eliminate its carbon tax. These moves raise important questions:

• Is this a genuine shift in climate policy, or just a political stunt to gain public favor?
• Will the carbon tax return under a different name or framework in the future?

How Much Did the Government Make from the Carbon Tax?

To understand its impact, let’s look at how much the federal and provincial governments were earning from carbon pricing:

• In 2023, the federal government collected approximately $8 billion in carbon tax revenue. A portion of this was rebated back to households through climate action incentive payments.
• Several provinces, including Quebec and British Columbia, had their own carbon pricing systems, generating billions more in provincial revenue.

Now that the tax is eliminated, the government must find alternative ways to fill this revenue gap.

If Conservatives Win: Will Canada Get American-Style Healthcare?

The Risk of Healthcare Privatization

While the carbon tax has been a major debate, a larger threat could come from a shift toward privatized healthcare.

Canada’s universal healthcare system ensures that all citizens, regardless of income, have access to medical treatment. However, Conservative leaders have hinted at increasing privatization, raising fears that Canada could adopt an American-style Medicare system.

How American Healthcare Works (And Why It’s a Problem for Canadians)

In the U.S., healthcare is largely for-profit, meaning:

• Patients often pay out of pocket for essential services.
• Health insurance is costly, and many plans exclude critical treatments.
• Medical bankruptcies are common—millions of Americans struggle with healthcare debt.

If Canada moves toward this model, the consequences could be severe:

• Higher out-of-pocket costs for essential medical procedures.
• A two-tier system, where the wealthy receive better and faster care while lower-income Canadians face long wait times.
• More corporate influence in healthcare decision-making, prioritizing profits over patient well-being.

Are We Voting for Parties or Policies?

Many Canadians vote based on party loyalty rather than specific policies. But this election forces voters to ask:

• Are we making decisions based on short-term frustrations (carbon tax) or long-term consequences (healthcare privatization)?
• Are we prioritizing financial relief today at the risk of a broken healthcare system tomorrow?

No Party Is Perfect, But Who Is Worse?

Every political party has flaws:

• The Liberals have faced scandals, rising debt, and cost-of-living crises.
• The NDP has struggled to implement major policy wins despite aligning with progressive causes.
• The Conservatives have been unclear about how much they would privatize healthcare.

Conclusion: Think Before You Vote

No party is perfect, but some policies are far more dangerous than others. The real challenge is looking beyond political branding and understanding who will truly work in the best interest of Canadians.

Carney abandoned the Carbon Tax (for now). Will Poilievre abandon U.S.-style Medicare?