Any credible climate change…

Any credible climate change plan must include carbon pricing. If burning fossil fuels is costing society now and in the long term, this activity must be held to account through a price that reflects its true cost. Otherwise, costs associated with dealing with climate change (extreme weather events, health problems, etc.) are passed onto governments and citizens to pay. There must also be a market signal to invest in clean tech alternatives.

A carbon pricing mechanism can be designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while stimulating the economy.

Cancelling cap and trade outright will most likely cost Ontarians millions if not billions of dollars due to cancelled contracts. I vehemently oppose an abrupt cancellation. It would be better for the government to end the program when the contracts conclude in 2020. At that point, I would like to see the government phase in a carbon fee and dividend program. Carbon is priced at $20 per carbon tonne at the wellhead or point of market entry, and rises by $10 every year. All money collected is returned to Ontarians. This will send a price signal to invest in clean energy alternatives, helping the province's clean tech industry, while putting money in the pockets of Ontarians to spend, thus stimulating local economies.

I vehemently oppose any legal challenge to Canada's national carbon price. It is a losing battle that will cost the province millions of dollars.

Note that any action on climate change - be it regulation or carbon pricing - will involve price increases. A carbon price is a far more transparent way to deal with greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Returning money to citizens will only help maintain public support for climate action.