Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised Tuesday to reduce Canada's excise tax on diesel fuel in contrast to his main rival's plan for a carbon tax, in a heated election campaign.
Harper said if his Conservatives are returned to power he would cut the diesel tax by half, from four cents (Canadian, US) to two cents a liter.
Liberal leader Stephane Dion meanwhile has outlined a plan widely supported by environmentalists that would introduce a tax on carbon emissions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the country, and thus curb global warming.
"At a time when consumers are concerned about rising energy prices, we want to reduce the tax on diesel a bit," said Harper. "Others plan to increase the tax on diesel significantly."
Voters must choose, he said, between "a modest affordable reduction in the tax of diesel or a massive carbon tax that will increase the cost of everything."
