- We are witnessing weather…

- We are witnessing weather and environmental changes that can only be attributed to climate change. It is our obligation for this and future generations to mitigate its effects and undertake adaptation actions as rapidly as possible.

- The cap and trade program has incorrectly been referred to as a tax - it was anything but. I object to our government misleading the public with incorrect information.

- The cap and trade program was supporting many projects important to our municipalities including transit and energy efficiency in public buildings. With projects cancelled, needed investments will not be occurring and cost savings will not be realized. Further, carbon pollution will not be reduced.

- For a government that claims to be looking to save taxpayers money, the attack on a climate change program that brought billions of dollars to the Ontario economy and supported so many needed public projects is counter-intuitive.

- The government has not factored in any of the costs to Ontarian's for not taking meaningful action on climate change. The costs to business and individuals are rising and will continue to do so as more extreme weather events occur.

- I received a rebate on an electric car and heat pump cooling system for my house that were both supported by the cap and trade program. It was a win-win in that I saved money; jobs were created; and I reduced my reliance on fossil fuels. A 10 cent savings at the pumps will not have the same effect!

- I encourage the government to put aside its philosophical differences with the previous government and do what’s best for Ontario: help us mitigate and adapt to our new climate reality. We have already delayed action by a quarter of a year, and while we wait for some new plan, it will be another half a year of inaction and wasted time that we can not afford.

Thank you!