OTTAWA — Only half of Canadians generally approve of a national carbon tax to try and combat what many believe to be global warming. And even some of those folks don’t want to pay for it.

According to Canadian Press, a new Harris-Decima poll found that 49 per cent of respondents said they supported bringing in a carbon tax. But support dropped to 42 percent when asked specifically if they’d approve of a carbon tax like B.C.’s, which incrementally hikes the cost of fuel and home heating oil.

Jeff Walker, Harris-Decima senior vice-president, said the results reveal a classic case of "theory and practice."

Support for the tax was highest among Quebecers (62%) and lowest in B.C., which interestingly is the only province to have a carbon tax policy.

"It’s definitely not seen as a winner nationally," said Walker.

However, carbon taxes are definitely a contentious issue either way. According to a related online poll, about as many respondents were angry with B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell for introducing the tax as those who were upset with NDP Leader Carole James for opposing it.

In last year’s federal election, former Liberal leader Stephane Dion’s national carbon tax proposal was largely blamed for sinking his campaign.