As a life long citizen of…

As a life long citizen of Canada and specifically the province of Ontario I have always been proud that we often lead the world in many areas. Policy is strong, actions are demonstrated in practical application. That are what leaders do and how they act. Climate change and our associated Eco footprint was just one example of that concept. Having said that I always felt like we could do better and when you look at some of the progressive European nations it is clear it can be done regardless of Canada having an abundance of natural resources, it just takes the will and want to make it happen. I believe a significant majority of the citizens in both Canada and Ontario specifically want the see and participate in that change. Take care of the host that supports our lives in a symbiotic manner rather than act as a parasite. I try my best on an individual level but when I see legislation like this it makes my effort seem small and almost insignificant, but I must continue to believe that a great many small acts WILL and DO have an enormous healing impact for our planet. Simply personal acts of accountability can make all the difference in the world. Unfortunately, this feels a lot like the elimination of the sex education program in schools where NOTHING was ready to replace it, so it was decided to just teach an outdated 20-year-old curriculum until something was figured out. That is terrible governance. That certainly is no way to lead. Shameful when a "buck a beer' gets more effort put into it! I an open to revisiting our collective climate change approach and could throw out several ideas but the bottom line is that we need a comprehensive program where there is a meaningful cost is placed on pollution creators, where fees/fines/payments for those toxic emissions are returned the revenues of the pockets of the Ontario populace so they can lower our collective carbon footprint. Further we need to firmly commit to legally binding emissions targets in line with our obligations to the Paris Climate Agreement or something similar and not back out or change depending on the mood of the government or the colour of the party in power at any given time. Yes, it will be hard but much like our valued Universal Health Care system, it must be attended to and prioritized. Do something, have a comprehensive alternative plan included in this Bill and maybe it wouldn't look so ugly. Are we listening to the United States leader's rhetoric on this issue? It certainly seems so. I will leave my comments with this phrase that I often as not apply in my own life: IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN THAN YOU PLAN TO FAIL, and we cannot afford that outcome on this extremely important issue. Thank you