I've dedicated the last 30+…

I've dedicated the last 30+ years of my life to environmental education and justice, however I'm submitting my comments today primarily from my role as a mother of 3 children.

The science has long been 'in', that the far-reaching, significant implications of climate change are very real, growing, and the urgency for which we need to act has never been more evident. I can't recall being more affected and disappointed in a provincial government decision, than I am right now - with the irresponsible, short-sighted decision to cancel cap & trade. While no single strategy or incentive 'tool', will fully address the critical need to reduce carbon emissions, from my direct experience, the previous government was on the right track with cap and trade as a useful mechanism, benefiting the economy, the health of the environment and the people of Ontario.

Time is running out, and when we have just over a decade to tackle this massive challenge. No government should be allowed to pull the plug on a working tool to help get us there, without an immediate, proven to be more effective plan of action ready for implementation to replace it. This government's plan to conduct more consultation on an issue that we already have the facts on, and where time for action is absolutely critical, is disgraceful and beyond comprehension. Put the politics aside, do what is right, demonstrate true leadership that takes into account the interests and future of all Ontarians by immediately implementing a climate strategy that will reduce emissions to ensure warming does not exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius. Our survival as a species depends on it. Not hype, but fact.