Rock rolls on Kyoto 
Tax incentives a superior way .to clean up the air 
Industry Minister Allan Rock's surprising reluctance to accept the Kyoto climate change protocol on faith alone signals the fatally flawed agreement may at last be on death's doorstep.
On Tuesday, Rock said Canada's environmental duty may be at odds with maintaining a high standard of living, and he reserved his support for the accord until he sees some hard facts. His words follow those of Fisheries Minister Herb Dha1iwa1, who wants to see an economic analysis and implementation plan before he's willing to give an endorsement, and Deputy Prime Minister John Manley, who has said Canada shouldn't harm its economy to meet the provisions of the agreement. 
The growing evidence of sober second thought from such influential sources within the Liberal caucus is a relief. Rock and Premier Ralph Klein have finally found some common ground, though we doubt Rock's words are fuelled by newfound sympathy for Alberta.
Although Alberta has been the most outraged over the possible adverse effects of Kyoto, it's really Ontario, Rock's home province and bedrock, of Liberal support, that has most to lose initially. Oil and gas producers would likely be hurt later. 
Large industrial consumers would have to pay, for the right to pollute in the form of emissions permits or taxes, as well as absorb the cost of building retrofits, equipment upgrades and new abatement technologies.
An environmental apocalypse will not ravage Canada if the federal government fails to ratify Kyoto. However, we also do not believe the only alternative is - or should be - to do nothing. 
In March, Allan Amey, president and CEO of Alberta's Climate Change Central, said: "Canada needs to separate the issue of climate change from the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol." We couldn't agree more.
Environment Minister David Anderson could still make Canada a leader in emissions reductions without signing on to the international agreement.
In November, Ottawa released its 28-point plan to encourage voluntary compliance, which would get Canada about one-third of the way to meeting the Kyoto goal of reducing emissions to six per cent below 1990 leyels by 2010. He could do more. 
The next federal budget should include a broad series of tax incentives for individuals and corporations to buy energy efficient cars, make energy efficiency upgrades to homes and buildings, and buy clean energy products. 
Canada does not need the UN dictating punitive terms when it can develop its own approach that is co-operative and effective. Carrots almost always work better than sticks. 
Anderson should allow the Kyoto Protocol to rest in peace, and start preparing Plan B. 
CALGARY HERALD EDITORIAL BOARD