I am a father of 6 children…

I am a father of 6 children and a grandfather of 8 and a retired Paramedic. I have seen first hand the health effects on children and the elderly from the pollution of burning fossil fuels. The best thing Ontario ever did was to eliminate coal fired hydro generation. We used to have several smog days per year and on those days we Paramedics had a front row seat observing increased shortness of breath and cardiac type call for seniors and asthmatic calls for children. People used to die because of those smog days. It cost money and it caused hydro rates to increase but it literally saved lives. I was hoping that the Ontario Government would continue to show leadership in transforming to a new clean renewable energy future where my grandchildren may have a chance at a better cleaner life.

I was also hoping to take advantage of the EV rebate program on the purchase of my next vehicle but this ACT removes that possibility from happening. Again we as a province are going backwards to a time that wasn’t very good for the average citizen.

I am also very concerned about the cancelled contracts with people who had invested money based on the Government of Ontario’s signature. This includes the businesses that purchased carbon contracts and the 750 odd renewable energy projects that were cancelled. The courts have already shown their willingness to make judgments against the Province and I have no confidence that this will not cost us all more in the future. It is all hanging on the legality of your bill to avoid liabilities. I think there is a good chance you will lose as this makes its way through the courts.

For the reasons stated above I urge your Government to cancel this bill and get back on track with the Carbon Cap and Trade program. Our children and grandchildren deserve to be considered and I feel this Bill will have a very negative effect on their health and well being.