November 30, 2016 Hon. Glen…

November 30, 2016

Hon. Glen Thibeault

Minister of Energy

4th Floor, Hearst Block

900 Bay St.

Toronto, Ontario

M7A 2E1

Hon. Steven Del Duca

Minister of Transportation

3rd Floor, Ferguson Block

77 Wellesley Street West

Toronto ON M7A 1Z8

Dear Ministers,

I am pleased to share with you the enclosed report entitled, “Accelerating the Deployment of Plug-In Electric Vehicles in Canada and Ontario.” This is a collaborative report released by Bruce Power, Plug’n Drive, Pollution Probe, and the University of Waterloo’s Department of Chemical Engineering. This report explores ways to build upon existing federal and provincial policies to maximize the decarbonization of the transportation sector, and to help achieve climate change commitments.

Electric vehicle (EV) technology has enormous potential to help our provinces and territories reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector, which is the second largest contributor to GHGs in Canada.

Human activity is a leading contributor to GHGs, causing irreparable damage to our environment. Climate change is an urgent threat that demands leadership and decisive action. As global citizens, we have both a responsibility and an obligation to ensure that our provincial governments present a collective voice to maintain or lower our carbon dependency. We need to strike the right balance in fulfilling our energy demands; as such, we need to support our various industries like nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, and renewable sources. As critical as it is to diversify our energy sources, it is equally important to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles; this will take meaningful steps towards lowering GHG emissions.

Ontario is Canada’s largest province and represents the heart of economic productivity and manufacturing. Demonstrating leadership amongst its provincial counterparts is crucial in realizing the reduction of Canada’s emissions. The province itself has come a long way in GHG emission reductions to date through its phase-out of coal, refurbishment of nuclear reactors, and enhancements of renewables. That being said, it must be emphasized that transportation within the province is now its primary emissions contributor, and must be a main area of focus for decarbonization.

Canada and Ontario have made significant strides over the past few years, such as the introduction of EVs, initiating the transition to a low-carbon transportation sector. This report explores the key elements of a successful EV strategy, and identifies opportunities to further build on existing policy and action, resulting in an enhanced and accelerated deep decarbonization of the transportation sector.

This report is also being provided as a submission to the ongoing Long-Term Energy Plan review process, and as such, will be provided to the Environmental Registry as part of this consultation process.

I appreciate you giving this report and its contents your consideration. Electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of a cleaner, less carbon-intensive transportation system in Ontario and across Canada. Through a collaborative mindset and a common focus of increasing EV usage, governments, businesses and non-profit organizations can work together to makes EVs more economical and practical for both rural and urban residents by implementing many of the strategies outlined in the report.

Sincerely,

Cara Clairman,                                      James Scongack, Ingrid Thompson,

President and CEO of Plug’n Drive     Vice President, Corporate Affairs of Bruce Power     CEO of Pollution Probe

Michael Fowler,

Professor at University of Waterloo

CC.Members of Provincial Parliament,Bruce Campbell, President/CEO

Legislative Assembly of OntarioIESO

[Original Comment ID: 206624]