Ontario should be focusing…

Ontario should be focusing on a positive, proactive, and effective climate policy, and not one in the nature of "cancellation". It will be an embarrassment to future generations to take such a step, no, leap backwards from our recent progressive and globally-admired climate action plan. Our provincial "representatives" (I would use the title "leaders" but I don't believe that to be reflective of their actions as of recent) have a responsibility to manage environmental resources, improve the health and safety of the population, and support the economy by various means - and Bill 4 will achieve none of these ends; on the contrary, the Bill will fail the environment, increase health risks to the most vulnerable sectors of our society, and fail to take advantage of economic opportunities such as those in renewable energy (see CO2 sequestering fuel being developed in BC). As a college professor who teaches courses in Issues in Canadian Politics and Environmental Sciences, it is shameful to share these political trends with today's youth entering the working class. I have observed that today's youth are much more aware of the cause and mechanisms of modern day climate change. For example, my classes are void of any thoughts of "climate denial" based on human causes. Rather, they are extremely motivated to invest time and energy into improving the efficiency of renewable energy resources; participating in "share-economy" outlets; reducing their personal and professional carbon footprint; and creatively improving environmental health - event before they dig into the course material. Many of my students, who frankly do not come from upper-class situations, have declared they would accept fees associated with lifestyle choices that have a negative impact on their personal carbon footprint. While college level students do not make up the majority of the population, they do represent the general views of those entering the work force and those who will be voting in the future. It is in the best interest of the Ontario government - both in terms of re-election as well as in fulfilling their current responsibilities - to uphold a climate action plan as the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario has proposed. In my professional field of drinking water treatment, I recall one of the last times the Environmental Commissioner was ignored and the Walkerton Water Outbreak occurred - partly due to cutbacks for water quality monitoring and professional training. I fear the lives to be lost and the "lessons learned" will be irrecuperable if we are to ignore the credible information in this report. If any new policy is to be passed on climate action in Ontario, it should focus on more rapid mitigation to greenhouse gas emissions rather than a decline. I ask you if you are considering passing this Bill - what is the alternative action that you propose that will have a greater impact? How will you respond to the millions of youth across this country that will have to live with the consequences of this action? Are you prepared to be held accountable for the financial, economic, health, administrative, and overhead costs associated with the repercussions of passing this Bill? We must build on cap-and-trade; not abolish it. My opinion is that Bill 4 demonstrates how uneducated, ignorant, and out of touch our provincial representatives are. Have they not been witness to the effective protests against mere expansion of oil pipelines across Canada and the US? I encourage all involved to act on (a) what their responsibilities are to the people of this province; and (b) the most effective strategies for mitigating climate change in Ontario.