As a resident of Ontario who…

As a resident of Ontario who values healthy communities and the ecosystems that support human health, and believes in the strong evidence based science on climate change impacts, I urge the Provincial government to take strong action now – in the form of effective climate change legislation and supports for programs that support greenhouse gas emission reductions, including carbon pricing, incentives for energy conservation, home and building retrofits, sustainable transportation policies and smart urban planning. If implemented effectively and quickly, these programs can not only boost the economy but provide support for vulnerable populations that will be most impacted by climate change.

Ontarians need protection from climate change, not from climate change policy. All Ontarians can benefit from legislation that reduces emissions and puts a price on carbon. The same legislation can also provide supports for families and individuals so that they receive the benefits, in terms of cash, rebates or tax breaks, gained from funds raised from carbon pricing. Nations, corporations and individuals around the world are recognizing the importance of climate action now. They also recognize the co-benefits – benefits related to sustainable development goals, healthy lifestyles, improved air quality, and a clean prosperous economy.

The impact of Ontario’s recent extreme weather events – heat waves, forest fires, floods, tornadoes, ice storms are profound - impacts to our health, our environment and our economy. Climate change is impacting the biodiversity of our ecosystem – the ecosystem on which all humans and other living creatures rely.

Climate change has contributed to increased heat-related mortality, vector-borne diseases, and various health impacts from flooding including increasing poor mental health outcomes. Costs of these impacts are disproportionately impacting low income and other vulnerable Ontarians. The cost to tax payers is also increasing, as governments are increasingly paying for damages to buildings, roads and infrastructure, and health care costs.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stresses the need for quick and extensive action to avoid the significant risks associated with global temperatures rising above 1.5C. The most recent recipient of the Nobel Prize for Economics recognizes the value of some form of carbon pricing to reduce emissions.

I am very troubled about the loss of these funds that were collected through the cap and trade program. In the short time that it was in effect, cap and trade legislation collected funds that helped communities and individuals prepare and respond to climate change. Whether it was municipalities investing in sustainable modes of transportation, private companies investing in renewable energy generation, or individuals benefiting from home energy retrofit programs, these programs and funds contributed almost $3 billion to the Ontario economy.

I strongly urge the Provincial Government to reconsider its position on Bill 4, The Cap and Trade Cancellation Act. If it proceeds, it is extremely important that the Provincial Government takes quick action to invest in climate change solutions for Ontario to protect our residents, our environment and our economy. We need strong climate change policy with clear actions on mitigation and adaptation. We need targets that align with Canada’s international commitments and that are aggressive but feasible – no less that 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. We need regulatory mechanisms that put a price on carbon, encourage innovation, and provide supports for vulnerable populations so they are not-unduly impacted. Finally, Ontarians need to see that progress is being made. It is important that the Provincial Government report annually on progress – on emissions relative to targets, on the status of programs to support greenhouse gas reductions, and on actions that will help all Ontarians, especially the most vulnerable, adapt to climate change.

Many climate change solutions are already available. Investing in a low carbon economy not only makes good business sense and provides economic growth for Ontario, but it also protects the health of residents today and in the future. Climate change is the greatest challenge of our generation, but it can be the greatest opportunity as well – helping us to create healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy economy.

Thank you for considering my comments.