A bill to give taxpayer money to certain businesses that acquire qualifying heat recovery equipment to recover heat produced by industrial processes and convert it in order to generate energy. During discussion the Conservatives asked questions about the cost and scope of the bill while the Liberals raised concerns about its necessity and effectiveness.
“We need to give companies a tax credit so they'll buy special equipment to capture wasted heat and turn it into electricity. We'll get a bit more power without making more emissions. But really, I want the government to look like they're doing something about the environment without actually changing much or spending real money. Mostly this helps my industry friends by lowering their costs. If I make it sound complicated and technical, maybe people will think I'm smart and this is a good idea.”
“I won't say if I agree or disagree with the specific bill. Instead I'll just list the things our party is already doing and hope that's enough. We're talking to people and thinking about it, so I don't want to commit to an actual position right now. I'll just say we need to be 'careful'. That lets me avoid saying what I really think of the bill.”
“I said it in my speech but I'll say it again. The government's clean energy tax credits aren't working. They've only spent a tiny fraction of what they promised. That's because they're doing it wrong. I want to do something else instead. I think my idea is better. I hope my colleague agrees with me.”
“I want to know if the tax credit in the bill will go to oil and gas companies. I'm glad my colleague brought this bill. But I want to make sure oil and gas companies don't get more tax credits. I'll talk more about the bill later.”
“Oil and gas companies won't get the credit. This tax credit is for manufactures that use fuels and other sources to make heat. I want this bill to help manufacturers.”
“I want the government to say that this program is good for the forestry sector and other industries in western Canada, especially in British Columbia. I'm asking you to talk up the benefits.”
“A tax credit that helps companies make their own power is good. It will lower costs and make more power for the country. I want taxpayers to spend on this tax credit.”
“I appreciate your complex question. The government's investment tax credits are not being used as much as expected. This credit would add power to the grid. It might pay for itself.”
“I want to say nice things about all private member's bills. This bill would add a permanent tax credit for heat recovery equipment. We already have other tax credits that do similar things. This bill would cost a lot more money than it looks like and has some weird differences from our other tax credits. We should not pass this bill.”
“I want to say nice things about energy workers in my riding. The bill would add a tax credit for heat recovery equipment. Quebec already has programs like this but I still support the bill. The bill should go to committee so we can learn more. I'm worried the bill might help oil and gas companies too much. They already get a lot of help. I want the bill to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
“I want people and companies to keep more of their money. This bill will encourage businesses to use waste heat. Wind and solar energy aren't the answer to everything. The greenest cars are used cars. Taxing used cars repeatedly is bad for the environment and consumers. We should put more money in people's pockets and give businesses more funds to reinvest in greener operations. This approach is feasible and the government should view it as a green approach, just like wind turbines and solar energy.”
“I don't like Bill C-269. The budget already has initiatives that address what the bill is bringing forward. We don't need duplication. We need to have the proper taxation laws to support becoming a superpower on energy. This bill is not necessary.”
“Liberals ignore a good bill that helps the environment. Instead they give money to companies that support ISIS and Putin's war. Why won't they support common sense? This bill helps Canadians and the environment.”
