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It is becoming more evident that the NDP’s provincial carbon tax is destined to be a boondoggle of epic proportions.

The Rachel Notley government introduced its new climate legislation Tuesday, and far from allaying fears about the tax, it raises more concerns. We now know, for instance, that the average family will pay between $70 and $105 a year more for consumer goods and services, if the government’s estimates can be believed.

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There’s also the impact on school boards and municipalities, which have warned their costs will increase by millions of dollars annually because of the levy.

“Our calculations indicate that it’s more around the $1,000 mark per family, but it’s good to see the government is finally acknowledging there are indirect costs,” said Wildrose Leader Brian Jean. “The cost of everything will go up.”

Perhaps the levy’s biggest flaw is the fact the tax is unlikely to be successful and persuade Albertans to reduce their carbon footprint. With a reported 66 per cent of people getting their money fully or partially rebated, what motivation will they have to alter their behaviour? It’s not as though people drive about aimlessly or open their windows in winter when the furnace is on.