While the cap and trade…

While the cap and trade program implemented by the Wynne Government wasn't an ideal approach tackling climate change, it at least did put a price on carbon. It is common knowledge to economists, businesses, and climatologists that putting a price on carbon is a requirement in order to reduce emissions.

Over the past number of years 'the people' of Ontario have benefited from being able make their homes more energy efficient through the Green On program, saving money in the process. The ability to electrify our transportation network is also crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and over time electric vehicles save 'the people' of Ontario money. Both the Green On program and electric car subsidies have been lost through the elimination of the cap and trade. It is necessary to bring both programs back.

While a straight fee and dividend carbon tax would likely have been better, I haven't seen your government present any viable alternative to the cap and trade to this point. If no such viable plan exists the cap and trade should be left in place until such a plan exists. Any alternative plan must also be supportive of Ontario doing its part to hit our national greenhouse gas goals of both 2020 and 2030.