There is no question that…

There is no question that climate change is a defining issue of our time, and one that transcends political partisanship.

I disagree with the current government's cancelling of the Cap and Trade program as well as their resistance to a national climate action plan. This said, I am nonetheless writing to comment on the provision in this act requiring the creation of new greenhouse gas emissions targets for Ontario.

Any such plan created by the current government and minister should in my opinion be structured around the following principles:

- It should be bold in its goals to reduce Ontario's GHG emissions, reflecting the seriousness of the global problem (see link), and a spirit of global citizenship in which we do our part;

- It should shift the personal tax burden from income taxes and consumption taxes to taxes on GHGs. This would incentivize technological innovation to reduce production of GHGs for businesses and promote behaviour change amongst consumers (BC has had such a tax in place since the early 2000s brought in under the conservative premier Gordon Campbell). A portion of carbon tax revenues should be devoted to creating public infrastructure that gives consumers viable options to reduce their GHG impacts. A portion should be directly rebated to consumers, meaning that people who make carbon-friendly choices are rewarded.

- It should promote clean energy investment and technological innovation, whether that be in solar, wind, nuclear or some other means.

- It should promote electric vehicle adoption, walking, cycling and other alternate modes of transportation that are both healthier for individuals and the environment.

- It should be widely advertised in clear, honest and adult terms devoid of cheap and destructive anti-tax rhetoric which reflect the seriousness of the issue and explain to citizens what their government is doing, how they can participate and the intended outcome of the law.

In my view, the current government's cavalier approach to tearing up the Cap and Trade program is very disappointing and will not be viewed well by history as the global calamity of climate change becomes apparent in coming years. Downplaying the problem, tearing up existing instruments and rallying against national climate plans without putting forth any solutions is unacceptable.

The government can begin to right its approach by creating a new bold and effective law that addresses a critically important issue.