As a resident of Ontario, I…

As a resident of Ontario, I was extremely pleased to hear Premier Ford’s announcement September 28th to end light duty emissions testing. The owner of a 1990 truck in pristine condition, I was directly impacted on a biennial basis, a process that was both costly and time consuming. The end result always the same, a “pass” with flying colours.

The air we breathe is a precious resort something that’s not to be taken lightly. In the late 80’s I traveled to Tunis, Tunisia and experienced the horror of smog inversion directly related to motor vehicle emissions. It was both a vile and eye opening experience where you could literally cut the air with a knife.

To focus on the big polluters is the right approach, heavy duty diesel’s including buses and tractor trailers. We have all witnessed the plume of black smoke that billows out. The suspended particulate in diesel emissions is a known carcinogen not to be taken lightly.

My suggestions as follows:

· Maintain the smoking vehicle contact line. A very important component to report any category/duty of motor vehicle including aging VW’s, Mercedes, Chrysler mini van’s etc.

· Expand the program to the entire province including northern regions. Yes motor vehicle densities are less but pollutants are pollutants and travel globally.

· Take a look at diesel train emissions and implement a gradual standard. Engine maintenance plays a big role. Electrification of the GTA GO lines by Metrolinx should assist greatly longer term. Freight traffic will require more oversight.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.