The repeal of two key…

The repeal of two key climate change mitigation Acts is extremely shortsighted and damaging to the environment, the public health and welfare, and the economic prosperity of the province. The government is repealing these Acts without strong evidence for their ineffectiveness. On the contrary, there is a substantial amount of evidence that they are having a positive impact on the province. The government has not laid out a comprehensive alternative plan to replace these Act. In light of this, the repeal can only be viewed as a politically-motivated decision, rather than evidence-based. Evidence-based policy is essential for the good functioning of government and society.

Climate change is Canada's and the world's most pressing issue. As the nation's most populous province and second largest carbon emitter, it is incumbent on the Ontario government to provide strong leadership in developing strong policy that supports effective climate change mitigation measures.

As the owner of a sustainable building consulting business who has made substantial investment in the skills of my employees as well as the services we offer in order to meet the exponentially growing demand for sustainable buildings, the cancellation of the Cap & Trade program is already having a substantial negative impact on my business. Important projects that would have received funding are no longer moving forward. The uncertainty caused by rash policy changes is effecting many business across the province who made similar investment decisions.

I therefore urge to government not to repeal the Acts.