$10k fines for NOT posting the government's anti-carbon tax stickers?
HOLY SHIT!
The Ontario government is not only spending our tax money on something which the majority of Ontarians may not even support. But, they also want to fine gas stations for not posting their propaganda.
I've ALWAYS disagreed with tax payer money being used purely to advertise a government agenda. It is one thing if it is educating about benefits it makes available (like promoting accessing training tax credits or energy rebates and the likes which people might not know that they have access too). Those are often used to glorify the government in the process, but at least it can be argued that the public also benefits by increasing enrolment in programs designed to help Ontarians.
This ad campaign has no direct value to the public. There is nothing for them to enrol in or take advantage of. It is purely to promote anger against the current parties opposition. It is a PURELY partisan move. And the fact that recent studies show that the majority doesn't even agree with the current government makes it even more questionable.
This government has gone one further though. They are forcing gas stations to be their advertising vehicle. They aren't even paying them as they would need to with other forms of advertising. Instead, they are threatening to fine them if they don't comply.
THAT is insane. And I'm honestly not sure how it isn't illegal. It takes that abuse of power even further. They are capitalizing on the trust we put in local businesses and business owners. By forcing them to display these stickers it gives a false sense that the businesses agree with the government. Whether they actually do or don't.
Whoever replaces this government needs to make this sort of advertising illegal ASAP. What's next? Being forced under threat of fine to advertise your support for Doug Ford's next bid for re-election? Because, this is really not that far a stretch from that.
The Ontario government is not only spending our tax money on something which the majority of Ontarians may not even support. But, they also want to fine gas stations for not posting their propaganda.
I've ALWAYS disagreed with tax payer money being used purely to advertise a government agenda. It is one thing if it is educating about benefits it makes available (like promoting accessing training tax credits or energy rebates and the likes which people might not know that they have access too). Those are often used to glorify the government in the process, but at least it can be argued that the public also benefits by increasing enrolment in programs designed to help Ontarians.
This ad campaign has no direct value to the public. There is nothing for them to enrol in or take advantage of. It is purely to promote anger against the current parties opposition. It is a PURELY partisan move. And the fact that recent studies show that the majority doesn't even agree with the current government makes it even more questionable.
This government has gone one further though. They are forcing gas stations to be their advertising vehicle. They aren't even paying them as they would need to with other forms of advertising. Instead, they are threatening to fine them if they don't comply.
THAT is insane. And I'm honestly not sure how it isn't illegal. It takes that abuse of power even further. They are capitalizing on the trust we put in local businesses and business owners. By forcing them to display these stickers it gives a false sense that the businesses agree with the government. Whether they actually do or don't.
Whoever replaces this government needs to make this sort of advertising illegal ASAP. What's next? Being forced under threat of fine to advertise your support for Doug Ford's next bid for re-election? Because, this is really not that far a stretch from that.
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