1) Message from the Minister…

1) Message from the Minister

This message from the Minister sounds very self-serving, very much like an election pitch. The Ford Conservative Government has been in power for 6 years and they're still blaming the previous government. They seem to have forgotten that it was the Liberal who closed the coal power generators and got rid of the most polluting source of electricity. They seem to have forgotten that it was the Ford Government that canceled over 750 green projects (including at least one partially constructed), forking out over $230 million of tax payers' money in penalty for the cancellations. Now, this government is procuring more electricity supply.

2) Carbon Tax

I don't agree with the Ford Government's opposition to the carbon tax (fuel surcharge). Economists know the fuel surcharge is one of the most efficient ways to bring down greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). While the Ford Government claims that this would make life more expensive, 90% of the federal fuel surcharge is returned directly to tax payers in the form of rebates, with 10% going to climate change programs. They have neglected to mention that 80% of Canadians have been receiving a rebate ("a family of four will receive up to $1,800 under the base Canada Carbon Rebate in 2024-25") that would cover the additional cost of this surcharge. A price on carbon incentivizes all Canadians to use less fossil fuels.

It is unclear what this government’s alternative to the fuel surcharge will be because they are simultaneously committing to expanding the natural gas system while stating a vision of a transition away from fossil fuels. This is self-contradictory.

3) Climate Emergency

The word climate was only mentioned once (and only in association with grid resiliency) in the entire document. It seems obvious that this present Government does not feel the urgency of taking more appropriate and committed steps to lower carbon emissions quickly to combat the Climate Crisis.

4) Greenhouse gas emission reduction goal

This document brags that Ontario would reach its 2030 goal while claiming that the Federal Government is not on track to meet its target. It is amazing that they can mislead Ontarians and to create self-satisfaction by lowering its goal. The federal government has a legislated target of reducing emissions by 40% from 2005 levels by 2030; for Ontario, the Ford government weakened the target from 45% below 2005 levels by 2030 under the Liberals to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.

All of these targets are insufficient to avoid dangerous levels of warming. In 2021, Ontario’s GHGs were 10.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per person (tCO2e/person), vs the world's 7.1 tCO2e/person (2023). Now, Ontario is aiming at 8.3 tCO2e/person in 2030 while the world is targeting 3.9 tCO2e/person in 2030.

5) Wind and Solar

These terms were casually mentioned twice in the entire document and that doesn't seem to be concrete plans to increase the development of these very important clean electricity sources.

6) Natural gas

At present, natural gas accounts for almost 40% of Ontario’s energy demand. This plan is too dependent on this fossil fuel. Instead of expanding the usage of dirty natural gas, we should rapidly electrify or switch to other clean fuels as quickly as possible.

7) Conservation and efficiency of energy use

Conservation and efficiency of all fuels such as gasoline and diesel, not just electricity and natural gas, should be a major pillar in our energy vision.

a) Instead of building highways and sprawling cities which will lead to high consumption and waste of energy. The government should encourage building walkable living communities, increase funding in public transit and building bike lanes, instead of ripping them out.

b) Invest in retrofitting better building envelopes, e.g. insulation and better air tightness, and electrification to mitigate energy demand from space heating and air conditioning.

c) Give subsidies to households to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and the installation of solar panels, air-source and ground-source heat pumps.

d) Set more energy efficient building codes, e.g., windows that keep the weather out, reducing the need for air conditioning for the summer and heating in the winter. Preserve natural habitats like ravines, wetlands which serve not only as carbon sinks but a cooling place for residents without air conditioning. Promote extensive tree planting along city boulevards and neighbourhoods.

8) Document Presentation

This is a very sloppy document, poorly presented, repetitive and wordy with platitudes. Adding basic numbering of the headings and subheadings would make it easier for the reader to follow.