As a layperson, this is my…

As a layperson, this is my first time commenting on specific legislation, so I may make some assumptions about what legislation is expected to contain.

I am very concerned that a government would repeal existing legislation that is a major aspect of a climate change policy framework without having a replacement that has been well researched and priced and that has undergone full consultation. It is not clear to me whether or not the previous government's Climate Change Action Plan has been 'repealed' by this legislation. If it has, then Bill 4 in effect leaves us with no climate change action plan at all. While not perfect, the existing cap and trade system and climate change plan were working, GDP had gone up and unemployment gone down. It seems irresponsible to 'throw the baby out with the bathwater'.

We do not have time to stop and start on climate change policies. Modify them, based on evidence, yes. I would suggest that repealing Bill 172 on such short notice does a disservice to business, and citizens, who were counting on a degree of certainty. Personally, I missed out on increasing my energy efficiency by purchasing new windows. As a retired person on a limited budget and heating with virtually GHG free electricity, I was counting on a rebate to help with the cost. I have taken steps to reduce emissions from my transportation as well; removing carbon pricing seems to reward those who choose not to do so.

Bill 4 does not provide any indication whether or not the government accepts mainstream climate science as described in IPCC reports or by the federal ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, for example.

Bill 4 3(1) does not specify the actual greenhouse gas reduction targets whereas Bill 172 6(1) was very specific (15% by end of 2020, 37% by end of 2030, 80% by end of 2050). Of course given the recent IPCC report on keeping warming to 1.5C, those targets are too weak. Bill 172 6(2) states that targets may be increased, which implies to me that they could not be weakened. Bill 172 6(3) states that new targets shall 'have regard' to temperature goals established by the Conference of the Parties under Article 7 of the UNFCCC. Bill 4 leaves me guessing on all these aspects plus others that I won't list.

Bill 4 gives absolutely no hint as what a new climate plan will contain. I do not recall anything in the current government's campaign that took issue with any aspects of the plan other than cap and trade.

In short, this legislation seems to be a knee jerk reaction written on the back of napkin. It does not give me any confidence in the government's ability to tackle the issue of climate change in a meaningful and cost effective way.