Active since 2008 in the…

Active since 2008 in the Greater Toronto Area, the Good Jobs for All Coalition includes more than 30 community, labour and environmental organizations, focusing on the promotion of decent work, a green economy and equity for all.

The Coalition believes that having in place a cap and trade or similar system that provides a price for carbon and a source of funding for climate-change-fighting initiatives is an important foundation for fighting climate change.

Instead of cancelling the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act, 2016 and winding down the Cap and Trade Program, Good Jobs for All proposes it be enhanced through a Climate Change Accountability Act so all Ontarians prosper as we move towards a low carbon economy.

Action against climate change creates good green jobs. Ontario needs to train and prepare its workers to thrive
in the coming low carbon economy.

Extreme heat, floods, forest fires, drought and other climate events cost Ontarians billions of dollars in damages
a year, disrupt our lives and livelihoods, and will continue to do so. The worst effects of climate change are often
faced by Indigenous Peoples, peoples of colour, low income folks or others who are historically marginalized.

A price on carbon creates a virtuous circle. It modifies behaviour, reduces carbon emissions and uses the money
raised to fund incentives & install and use new technologies that can create new jobs in new industries, leading
to a sustainable economy.

Ontario legislated its greenhouse gas (ghg) targets in 2016*, but failed to include adequate measures to ensure
targets are met.

Good Jobs for All proposes a Climate Change Accountability Act with the following provisions:

1) Retain the requirement that all revenues earned under the cap and trade system be spent on ghg reduction
measures. Ensure transparency of mechanisms used to fund individuals, communities and corporations who
want to reduce their ghg emissions. Continue funding training for new and existing workers and Indigenous
Peoples, peoples of colour, low income folks or others who are historically marginalized to install and operate
energy saving devices and equipment. Enhance refunds for low and moderate income families through a revised
Ontario Energy and Property Tax credit.

2) Prohibit the sale of gas and diesel engines by 2030 at the latest and promote the manufacture and sale of
electric and other zero emission vehicles in Ontario well before that date. Invest in electric charging stations for
vehicles of all types.

3) Continue investments in publically owned rapid transit, such as LRT lines, and other infrastructure, including
transfers to municipalities.

4) Government to invest in publically owned renewable energy and stop privatization of Hydro.

5) Amend Ontario Building codes to be net zero ghg for new buildings by 2030. Adopt an aggressive approach to
retrofit existing Ontario buildings. Enact programs to financially encourage energy retrofits in private sector.
Increase funding for public housing.

6) Rapid Reforestation - Trees are a great way to store carbon for many decades, after which hopefully we will
have passed peak carbon when either the trees are harvested or die-off.

7) Create a Just Transition fund for workers and communities displaced by efforts to reduce ghgs. Measures to
include the 4Rs: Retraining, Re-Location, Retirement and Redundancy payments.

8) Mandatory joint union/management committees in workplaces with 25 or more employees, with legislated
role for Workplace Environmental reps, similar to Health and Safety officers.

9) Community Benefit Agreements for all infrastructure projects over $50 million with binding, equitable and
inclusive employment targets and consultation with historically disadvantaged communities and equity seeking
groups.

*Under the 2016 legislation that brought in cap and trade of greenhouse gas emissions, Ontario Greenhouse Gas targets are: 15 % below 1990 levels by 2020, 37 % below 1990 levels by 2030, 80 % below 1990 levels by 2050