Ontario's cap-and-trade…

Ontario's cap-and-trade system is of vital importance for Ontario's transition to a low carbon economy. Climate change is real, and the costs are mounting. One need only look at the intensity of recent storms to see the billions of dollars that it will cost us to react to these disasters.

The cap-and-trade system is not a tax, and ideological actors should stop referring to it as such. Also, the revenues from this system can be used to mitigate whatever costs citizens face. British Columbia provides proof that such a system does not in fact hamper the economy, but instead contributes to it.

Regardless, the cost to citizens through their taxes of defending many incoming lawsuits is greater than the net cost to citizens of the cap-and-trade system.

It makes environmental sense. It makes economic sense. Cap-and-trade should remain in effect and this bill to repeal it should be scrapped.