The 'let the eastern bastards freeze in the dark' was national disgrace. In no way was that sentiment harbored by people like me: ordinary folk. I was living in the province from which it originated. When the east was hit by the terrible ice storm back in the '90s (?), I can attest that many people, many towns, many cities and many governments dug deep to get generators, blankets, food and other modern-day necessities to fellow(ette) Canucks living in Ontario and Quebec. They didn't want thanks or praise. They wanted to help, and help they did.
Ed T, that was a beautiful post. As for the challenge, I'd simply say 'ya gotta choice. Die screaming or pay the tax', because making polluting expensive will, in the long run, end polluting.' I think Canadians would understand that. We've tightened the national belt before and we can do it again. Our moms didn't raise no quitters.