I am not in support of Bill…

I am not in support of Bill 4, Cap and Trade Cancellation Act, 2018. Climate Change is already impacting Communities and without quick action to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations the vulnerabilities and risks on Communities and the Province will accelerate.

The current provincial targets to reduce GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 is supported by science and are in line with what is needed to keep temperature change within 1.5C. These targets are also agreed through the Paris accord.

Any new targets set by the Ontario government must be in line with international commitments to limit warming within 1.5C. The City of Windsor has already experienced significant economic losses due to extreme weather events resulting in over $250 million in insured losses less than 1 year. Any inaction on mitigating climate change is irresponsible of the Province.

The introduction of Bill 4 without the Province proposing targets and an action plan greatly impedes a persons ability to provide constructive comments on this Bill.

At a minimum the Province must keep the targets as previously legislated. The climate action plan must set aggressive actions to reach the previously legislated targets. Funding must also accompany those actions for municipalities, residents, commercial/institutional and industry.

The only way that the Province will reasonably be able to afford to fight climate change will be to put a price on carbon. A price on carbon is required to change the actions by the public. There should be a legal requirement for funds collected from a price on carbon to be allocated to climate change mitigation efforts.

The province must also set plans that allow Communities/Municipalities to develop policies and set long-term capital investments plans.