General comments: Ontario…

General comments:
Ontario must reduce its GHG emissions in order to contribute to the global effort to prevent dangerous climate change. The decision to cancel the cap and trade program without an alternate climate change plan in place jeopardizes Ontario's ability to achieve these necessary reductions. I am also concerned that rather than being an "orderly wind down", the rapid cancellation of the cap and trade program and the emissions reduction programs funded by the sale of emissions allowances has hurt businesses, communities, individuals, schools, hospitals and other public institutions who were relying upon these programs.

Comments regarding new targets:
Action on climate change is critical - the projected impacts of climate change in Ontario and globally are well set out in other submissions and in the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario's recent report. Targets should be based on Ontario doing its fair share to meet the global objective of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

Comments on new climate change plan:
The new plan should focus on achieving real, verifiable emissions reductions as quickly as possible using a variety of economic and policy tools. The plan should prioritize encouraging energy efficiency. The plan should assist Ontario in transitioning to a low carbon economy based on green jobs, sustainable communities, and protection of vulnerable ecosystems and natural areas.

Comments on public consultation:
The results of the provincial election are not a substitute for a public consultation process. The new legislation must reflect and respond to the submissions received through the EBR public consultation process.

These comments reflect only my own, personal opinions.