I'm writing to express my…

I'm writing to express my deep concerns about Bill 4, Cap and Trade Cancellation Act, 2018. I have been reading about the report just issued by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This report outlines the catastrophic effects that climate change will have on the planet if the international community does not take immediate action to drastically lower carbon emissions. I have a daughter who just turned one year old. When I read about the imminent likelihood of frequent, deadly heatwaves, massive shortages of clean drinking water, and widespread habitat loss, I fear for her future and the quality of life that will be possible for her and her peers.

Instead of accelerating our actions to combat climate change, however, Ontario is pulling out of the cap-and-trade system with Quebec and California, and we are fighting the federal carbon pricing plan in court. These are steps in the wrong direction at a time when the need for action is more urgent than ever. We do not have time for these policy reversals and intergovernmental conflicts, and we already have a workable structure in place for reducing carbon emissions. Consequently, I oppose Bill 4 and the plan to wind down Ontario's Cap and Trade program. Ontario should instead be strengthening its commitment to the carbon pricing system we have and working with the federal government, other provinces, and governments around the world to step up our efforts to reduce carbon emissions through evidence-based policies.

Climate change is an existential threat to all Ontarians and all human beings. Now is the time for bold leadership on this issue. I want to see my province lead the way.