These comments are made as…

These comments are made as an individual Ontarian.

My interest is ensuring that Ontario develops clear GHG targets, a well-thought out climate change plan, monitors progress regularly against the plan, and updates the plan at regular intervals.

Ontario-specific research, much of which has been completed by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, shows that billions of dollars worth of mitigation investments exist that would have a net-positive financial impact on Ontario families and businesses. Smart investments in energy efficiency are a particularly valuable tool to cost-effectively reduce electricity, natural gas and fuel bills for families and businesses, while contributing toward GHG mitigation targets.

I view the repeal of cap and trade as a legitimate policy choice for Ontario's Government, and am encouraged that the Act requires the Government to establish targets and produce a climate change plan. However, without a framework that includes clear targets and thoughtful planning, these opportunities are at risk. The result will be that Ontario families and businesses will be left with less money in their pockets.

The following comments address only the TARGETS, PLAN AND PROGRESS REPORTS section of the Act.

With regard to (3) Targets

- Specific baselines and targets are a foundational requirement to develop plans and make progress against those plans. These targets should be, at a minimum, consistent with Ontario's relative contribution required to meet Canada's international commitments, and specified explicitly within the Act.

With regard to (4) Climate change plan

- Timelines for the preparation of the climate change plan and a schedule for revisions should be set within the Act. At a minimum, the plan should be revised every two years so that policy and supporting actions can be continuously assessed, adjusted and improved in the context of recent progress

- The act should speak to the composition of the Minister's advisory panels, which should explicitly include industry, First Nations and environmental organization representatives.

With regard to (5) Minister's Progress Reports

- The Act should explicitly require annual reporting to best practice standards. This may include the World Resources Institute GHG Mitigation Goal Standard, and/or relevant ISO 14064 standards