As a resident in Ontario, I…

As a resident in Ontario, I am extremely disappointed by this proposed bill.

My main concerns are two-fold:

1. I believe this bill is extremely harmful to the business climate in the province and is un-conservative. Businesses and investors in Ontario always ask for policy certainty so they can plan their business. Many businesses across sectors were supportive of a cap-and-trade system and many had made investments to mitigate their emissions and costs payable under the program. The sector was doing the right thing and some leaders were positioned to make money from their innovation. Not only does this bill remove ~$2 billion yearly from our economy but it angers the business community and erodes their trust in our government.

2. The existing cap-and-trade program is simply the right thing to do. Climate change is already hitting residents in Ontario through forest fires, floods and so on. The costs of paying for damage caused by extreme weather events, poor air quality, etc. far outweigh the cost of business to engage in a cap-and-trade system as it currently exists.

Such a government initiative should be based on analysis and not ideology. I hope there are enough members of the governing party to reverse course and to do what is best for the future of the province.