Cancelling the Cap & Trade…

Cancelling the Cap & Trade Act is a big mistake and at the very least should not be done until a reasonable plan for its replacement has been articulated by the Ford Government. I considered c&t a good, but small, step forward in our plan to mitigate the rate of increase in climate change and thought the redistribution of funds from polluters to green energy initiatives was an effective and easily understandable way to make progress here. On a personal level, it has caused me and my family and friends to think positively about driving less, using public transport more, ways to trim home heating costs, etc. So in this case the tax provides a constant and effective message about a pressing necessity to reduce carbon emissions. Many small reductions will add up and will be multiplied by increasing effectiveness of green energy strategies. The effects on a more global level are also striking because c&t is clearly a driver of innovation and economic diversification. Why scrap c&t with its clear win-win benefits when so much is at risk? Making a big deal about reducing the cost of "gas at the pumps" by 10c/L or so is a puny and facile political gesture when compared to the real costs associated with the episodic and expensive fallout/catastrophes associated with increasing levels of carbon in our atmosphere. What, other than political gamesmanship, is driving this idea to scrap c&t? Could it be something founded in scientific illiteracy? Premier Ford has not publicly declared what he/his government understands about the scientific work underpinning knowledge of climate change, and I find this distressing. Rather than empty oratory appealing to base instincts, I would like to see Ford/Ford Government present a logical, fact-based case for cancelling c&t that can be challenged by rational argument and debate.