Arguing case for Carney

Re: Neil Stephenson’s letter Carney not the answer (Castanet, Feb. 14)

The concerns raised in the letter about (federal Liberal leadership candidate) Mark Carney and Liberal policies warrant a nuanced response, as they touch on critical issues facing Canada. Several points merit clarification and context.

Carbon tax and affordability—The point is mute as both (the Liberals and Conservatives) are dropping the tax but here goes.

The federal carbon pricing system is designed to be revenue-neutral, with rebates returning most funds directly to households. In 2023, 80% of Canadians received more in rebates than they paid in carbon taxes, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer. While critics argue costs are hidden, the policy’s transparency lies in its market-driven approach—incentivizing emissions reduction without arbitrary levies.

Removing it risks undermining climate goals and forfeiting rebates, leaving low-income households more vulnerable. Transitioning to clean energy, supported by investments in renewables and grid modernization, ??is key to long-term affordability and competitiveness.

Climate leadership and economic realities—Canada accounts for 1.5% of global emissions but ranks among the top per-capita emitters. Climate action isn’t about solving the world’s crisis alone, it’s about fulfilling our share of a collective effort while seizing economic opportunities. The green transition has already spurred job growth in sectors like battery manufacturing and hydrogen energy. Carney’s advocacy aligns with global trends, where nations like the U.S. and E.U. are investing heavily in clean tech. Dismissing this risks is leaving Canada behind.

Economic challenges Carney’s role—blaming Carney for Canada’s economic woes overlooks his record as Bank of Canada governor from 2008 to 2013, when his policies helped stabilize the economy during the global financial crisis. Current challenges—inflation and housing shortages—are shaped by global pressures and decades of underinvestment, not a single policymaker. The Liberals have addressed those through initiatives like the Housing Accelerator Fund and child-care agreements, which aim to boost productivity and labour participation.

DEI and merit—Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs don’t undermine merit, they dismantle systemic barriers so merit can thrive. Research from McKinsey and Harvard Business Review consistently shows diverse teams drive innovation and profitability. DEI isn’t about quotas, ??it’s about expanding talent pools and ensuring fairness. For instance, TD Bank’s DEI initiatives have strengthened recruitment in underserved communities while maintaining high performance standards.

Policy adaptation vs. lack of creativity—Adopting ideas across the political spectrum isn’t a weakness, it’s pragmatic governance. Immigration reforms, for example, balance economic needs with housing pressures, reflecting responsiveness, not imitation. Similarly, streamlining red tape and investing in energy infrastructure (including renewables and LNG) acknowledge regional needs while aligning with climate goals.

Carney represents a shift within Liberalism, blending fiscal prudence with climate urgency. His international experience could attract investment, as seen in his work on sustainable finance with the U.N. Dismissing all “elites” ignores the value of expertise. Canada needs leaders who can navigate complex global challenges, not just echo populist rhetoric.

Canada’s path forward requires balancing economic resilience with climate responsibility, inclusivity with merit and innovation with pragmatism. Let’s engage in solutions that unite rather than divide and are grounded in evidence, not speculation.

Darrell Uhearn