I would like the government…

I would like the government to reconsider Bill 4 which removes the cap and trade system. Within the last few days the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report stating that we need urgent action to counter climate change. Now is not the time to remove the only plan that we have in Ontario to fight climate change. This is an urgent matter that will affect our economy, health, food systems and security for decades to come. The best way to reduce climate change is to put a price on the emissions that drive climate change and provide support for cleaner and more efficient technologies. We should be looking to the future which includes energy efficiency and renewable energy, not to the past which relied on fossil fuels. This should be viewed as an opportunity and it is one we are going to miss out on if we continue to rely on fossil fuels. I recognize that the political cycle is 4 years long and short term options where you can say that you are reducing taxes may appear politically expedient. What we need is true leadership and someone who thinks beyond the next election and beyond campaign slogans. I want a real climate change plan to reduce emissions and to improve energy efficiency. I want real targets for emission reductions.