This proposal is a step in…

This proposal is a step in the right direction following the unfortunate cancellation of Ontario's cap and trade system in 2018. It is only right to re-enact a revenue-generating, polluter-pays system that provides incentives for low-carbon technologies and innovations going forward.

I believe it is critical for the Ontario government, of its own volition and separated from federal decisions, to enact a carbon-pricing system of its own, applied to the general population.

I foresee the importance of a tiered approach going forward, that increases the pricing of carbon for polluters and also increases the scope of polluters who must participate - thus, I think it is necessary for institutions, greenhouse operators, and the thermal energy supply to be included also.

As a citizen of Ontario born and raised, I feel frightened for our environmental future, and also embarrassed and guilty at the role we are playing in the transition to a low-carbon society in 2019. I wholeheartedly believe that it is imperative that we take legal action to drive up standards of compliance. Beyond-compliance expectations do not suffice anymore and are currently not financially preferable or worth it in our society. This absolutely needs to change.

Systems such as the EPS generate funding for retrofits, energy efficiency implementations, research and the fortification of Ontario's resilient economy.

I hope that my own comments, and those of the general population, who are also fearful of climate change, will be heard and reflected by those making decisions on my behalf.

Thank you.