The “suicidal impulse of the business community,” a phrase coined by Milton Friedman, refers to the tendency of businesses and industry leaders to take political positions that undermine support for a free economy and, while often beneficial to the businesses in the short run by allowing them to curry favour with the government of the day, are contrary to their long-run interests.

One recent and notable manifestation of this unfortunate business impulse came during the Senate hearings on Bill C-69 when Irving Oil – the largest carbon dioxide emitter in New Brunswick – voiced its support for a carbon dioxide emissions tax.