My name is Tyler. I am a son…

My name is Tyler. I am a son, a husband, a proud Ontarian, and a father to my precious 2-year old daughter. I will work hard every day for the rest of my life to create a better world and environment for my family. AND I STRONGLY OPPOSE THE CANCELLATION OF ONTARIO'S CAP AND TRADE PROGRAM.

We are facing the biggest environmental crisis of humankind’s existence. Climate change is real and it’s here NOW. The IPCC just released the most concerning results of climate research to date. For as long as fossil fuels are burned and increasing greenhouse gas emissions, we are not working hard or fast enough to reduce our harm and work on solutions. Weather events are becoming more extreme and frequent, putting humans and infrastructure at risk. Nobody wins when the effects of climate change impress upon us – not our health, the durability of lands and supply of water, the quality of our infrastructure nor the state of our economy.

As such and in light of this monumental issue, I am disheartened and concerned with the Government’s efforts to dismantle one of Ontario’s best mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gases. The Cancellation of Bill 4 without immediately replacing it with an alternative is irresponsible to current and future generations.

Governments are in a unique position to act on behalf of ‘the greater good’ to think for the long-term financial, social and environmental health of our society. I understand there are many ways to disincentivize GHGs and encourage low- and no-emission solutions. The UK, for example, has had great success with a Carbon Tax WHILE sustaining long-term economic growth. If the current Government was not satisfied with the previous Government’s strategies, a strong argument for a replacement plan would have been debated, but at least the intent and effort would’ve been acknowledged and respected by Ontarians. Unfortunately, I have no respect for the complete lack of initiative to IMMEDIATELY propose a replacement climate plan.

The generation of funds from the Cap and Trade program was creating tangible benefits to Ontario’s municipalities, schools and hospitals, and watching these funds disappear was disturbing. I understand that there are approximately $1Billion in funds remaining from the Cap and Trade program markets. I expect that these funds will only be used specifically for strong and effective efforts to reduce GHG emissions. In funds are used in any other manner, I expect this to create a large and insurmountable public backlash.

I do not have faith in this Government’s intentions to protect our environment for the near- and long-term. I hope that you can prove me wrong.