The Cap and Trade program is…

The Cap and Trade program is progressive, conservative economics at its finest and was used brilliantly by Brian Mulroney to successfully end acid rain in the 1980's and 1990's. It will be so, so sad to watch Carolyn being asked to defend Ontario in a lawsuit that will ruin co-operation with the Federal government, in a court case Ontario will inevitably lose. In the process, Ontario will lose $2 billion dollars in revenue it desperately needs and will give Minister Phillips no credibility in any of the work he takes on.

The Ontario government also appears inconsistent when it chastises the previous government about their spending because, by not making investments in infrastructure and climate change resiliency, they're increasing the province's massive infrastructure deficit! Ontario's youth will have to pay higher prices for more infrastructure that must withstand more severe weather down the road because the province is going backward on its climate change policy. These positions are inconsistent and dishonest.

Minister Phillips doesn't seem to believe himself when he says that he takes climate change seriously. I understand why; his actions are proof of what he believes! He has just cut taxes and encouraged over-consumption of things like gas guzzlers and large mansions, and has taken away incentives for innovation in the emerging green economy. The policy is backward-looking at best, and not based on evidence, at worst. Basic conservative economics says that governments should tax things that have externalities, or a negative impact on society (soda, consumption, emissions/pollution) and limit taxes or provide tax credits on things that are good for society (income, philanthropy, education).

The government should also strive for some level of predictability over time, as well, so that companies can know what to expect from the jurisdiction they invest in. The government has ruined its reputation with Germany, one of the largest and most stable economies in the whole world. It will take decades to rebuild this trust. Others will think twice about dealing with Ontario.

The government currently has no alternative plan! Climate policy is not rocket science and the government is throwing stones from glass houses. Don't dish it out if you can't take it. It's really pathetic!

Overall, canceling cap and trade without having a backup plan is backward looking, and, if the government's logic holds, dishonest and unethical to Ontarians who will have to deal with the more extreme results of climate change. Politicians are elected because they are leaders and want to leave their jurisdiction better than they found it, using the best information they have. For this government to cancel cap and trade, turns their back on progressive conservative environmental economics, in the name of ideology. Ministers Phillips and Mulroney are on their way to becoming lame ducks who should consider speaking up in the cabinet or submitting their resignations.

To adapt a quote from Brian Mulroney: "You had an option. You could have said I'm not going to do it. This is wrong for Ontario. You have an option sir to say yes." The way things are going "is not good enough for Ontarians. It is a confession of non-leadership, and this province needs leadership." You can do better! You must do better!