Dion challenges oilpatch

If elected prime minister, he would deliver long-sought tax breaks to the industry, but only if energy projects produce close to zero greenhouse-gas emissions.

The tax break Mr. Dion is dangling is the accelerated write-off of machinery, or capital-cost allowance. The oil-and-gas industry, as well as other sectors, argues an accelerated write-off would free up cash flow that could be used to invest in productivity-enhancing and environmentally friendly technology.
At a press conference to mark the end of the Parliamentary session, Mr. Dion said if he is elected he would review the taxes faced by the oilpatch, with a particular focus on capital-cost allowance.