I am concerned about the…

I am concerned about the cancellation of the cap and trade program. I was proud of Canada's commitment at the COP21 conference in Paris where we joined with most of the countries of the world to finally take the issue of climate change seriously. As a retired geography teacher, I was addressing the likelihood of climate change back in the 1970s, and the predicted events have become more and more common. It should be clear to any sane person that we need to take the issue seriously. Action is needed at the federal, provincial, municipal and personal levels in order to adequately make a difference. The cap and trade program of the Ontario government was a serious attempt to begin the process at the provincial level. By entering an agreement with Quebec and California, we were working together to address the issue. Cap and trade promised to be a source of income for the province that could be spent on other measures to reduce carbon emissions. School retrofits would have been one example; the cancellation of cap and trade unfortunately ended this program.

Not only has Ontario cancelled cap and trade but it also proposes to sue the Canadian government over its requirement to impose a carbon tax. Instead of saving money, this measure will cost the Ontario government money. There is also the probability that Ontario will be sued by stakeholders who have invested in cap and trade. Yet the Ontario government is not providing any alternatives to reduce greenhouse gases in the province.

It seems clear to me that the Ontario government is making a mistake in cancelling the cap and trade program and should reconsider.