We are making these comments…

We are making these comments on the day (October 8) the IPCC issued its latest report with a dire warning regarding the implications of continuing on a path in which no serious action is being taken to reduce carbon emissions. Yesterday, one of two Nobel Prizes was awarded to an economist at Yale for his work confirming the effectiveness of carbon pricing as a measure to reduce carbon emissions.

Here in Ontario we were making progress in meeting carbon emission targets, in spite of comments made by the premier to the contrary (without providing a shred of evidence to support his claim). There are three reasons we object to the repeal of the act:

1) The existing cap and trade program was working, industry was embracing it, and it was generating revenue for real reductions in carbon emissions. It was also supporting cycling infrastructure, which reduces carbon emissions AND makes us healthier. That should reduce health care costs, another stated desire of this government.

2) There has been nothing put forward to replace it. The proposal's requirement that the government prepare a new climate change strategy does not inspire confidence; we have no idea what reduction targets the government will identify, if any.

3) The IPCC report and the Nobel award sends a signal that climate change needs to be taken seriously by this government. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the very proposal on which we are providing comment, the Ford administration has spent more time rejecting and dismissing the real threat and the progress that has been made than coming up with viable, effective alternatives. It's time for this government to smarten up and act like it cares, for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

Therefore, we urge the government to retain the cap and trade system and generate additional strategies that will further reduce carbon emissions in Ontario.