Conservative Gas Pump Ads Stir Controversy
Posted June 9, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
They wanted to drive home their message while you pumped over-priced gas into your car. That plan has since been nixed, but it hasn’t halted new Conservative attack ads aimed at the Liberals and their planned carbon tax.
T he company that provides advertising space on gas pumps say they don’t run political broadcasting. But the message is still circulating and the initial plan to run the ads at gas stations generated plenty of media publicity for the federal Tories.
“This is the new democracy. We use all kinds of guerrilla techniques to get out there and reach people, warn them not to be tricked, and we do it between elections as well as at election time,” explained Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre.
Federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion has suggested a carbon tax system to help the environment. Although details are still scarce on the plan, he insists it would be “revenue neutral,” since the extra funds would be channelled to make income tax lower.
The Conservatives responded by releasing a series of ads, suggesting the plan is a trick to fool voters and swipe tax dollars. Their plan? Have it play at a captive audience as people were fuming at the filling station, already smouldering over high gas prices.
Dion struck back on Monday. “Instead of taking this seriously, what do the Conservatives offer Canadians? A cartoon, a talking grease spot,” he said, mocking the ads.
Liberal MP Martha Hall Findlay also took exception.
“I think the tone and the nature of these define the Conservatives far more than anything about the Liberals.”
Conservative MPs contend fancy wording is being used to cover up a tax-grab, and voters deserve to have some warning.
The idea of a carbon taxing system has been widely praised, but since the details haven’t been hammered out, the fight is over ideology more than the plan itself.
There is a similar set of radio ads on the topic released by the Conservatives. But those are a lot easier to tune out if you’re so inclined.
To see the ads online, click here.
