I oppose repealing the…

I oppose repealing the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act, 2016. Please do not repeal this Act. Action on climate change is necessary and urgent. Now is the time to increase action, not stall it. We need a predictable, rising, effective and enforceable price on carbon such as carbon fee and dividend (best practice) or cap and trade; legally binding greenhouse gas emissions targets; funding for actions to meet carbon reductions targets; the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies; action on the Ontario’s Environment Commissioner report on climate change.

The recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes it very very clear that:
1) We must act immediately and decisively to reduce emissions to avoid catastrophic impacts of climate change. We must keep the global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees celsius. This will require large scale changes.
2) Putting a price on carbon is central to getting to climate change under control (also recognized with this year's Nobel Prize in Economics).
3) Climate change impacts are already having large financial costs, and these costs will only grow rapidly if we do not act to keep climate change under control

Government has a responsibility to the health, safety and livelihood of citizens. The only response to the available information is to treat climate change as an urgent emergency and act immediately and effectively. Fortunately, the changes needed also improve quality of life and equity for residents.

CAp and trade funding has been used by municipalities to improve transit, active transportation infrastructure and other important actions. If cap and trade is cancelled, this funding must be replaced to assist cities in taking action.

Finally, proper public consultation on changes to environmental legislation are required and necessary. The notice and posting for this comment period has not been normal or accessible. Despite that, a high volume of comments has been received, which gives an indication of the importance of this issue.