The science of climate…

The science of climate change is real. After 30 years of study action is required.

Individual humans have a horrible propensity to discount the risk of their long term action (or in this case inaction) hence the need to rely on government to take leadership in decisions that don't just affect our today or tomorrow but our lives going out 10-20-30 years. Perhaps the political system with its 4 year cycles is ill equipped to deal with problems that span decades but dealing with such problem is what you as our leaders are asked to do.

A firm believer in the economics of the free market I believe that given the right signals and a predictable framework, the market can contribute to solving the climate change problem. The proposed legislation provides neither signals nor a replacement framework two key components of a successful market mechanism.

I believe, and the evidence supports, the notion that a price on carbon is an efficient and effective way to provide the right signals to the market. A price on carbon is a simple mechanism, free from political interference that punishes those who pollute rather than asking the taxpayer of Ontario to subsidize bad behaviour and the associated consequences.

Moreover business cannot plan effectively in an environment of uncertainty. Predictability is a key ingredient for successful business planning 3-5 years out. Without a clear policy on climate the government has left business owners and corporations in a position of being unable to plan or invest.

In a global economy Ontario needs to take a seat at the table. Already 9 US states have vowed to put a price on carbon (including NY). Ontario needs to be part of the conversations to ensure that Ontario is not disadvantaged in the economic transition underway. Without a clear climate change policy, Ontario faces exclusions from decision on policies and actions that impact our collective welfare and access to opportunities.

The government should ensure that before cancelling a policy, that while imperfect achieved results, it has in place a suitable policy backed by scientific and economic evidence to replace it thereby avoiding gaps and creating uncertainty.