Ontario's Cap and Trade…

Ontario's Cap and Trade program should not have been cancelled. This cancellation through Bill 4 takes us backwards. Funding needs to go into the hands of Ontarians to support them reduce their environmental impact. Without Cap and Trade, the Ontario government now needs to find other ways to support the thousands of jobs that were being created through energy reduction initiatives. Carbon reduction policies and clear action plans are a way to support a strong economy in Ontario now and into the future. This is how the rest of the world is moving, and how Ontario needs to move as well. The clean economy will improve the health of people and the planet, and the business sector. In Ontario before Premiere Ford's govt cancelled cap and trade, there were 5,000 cleantech companies employing 130,000 people and contributing $19.8 billion to Ontario’s economy. These industries are being disabled by the Ontario government's actions. It is realistic to envision Ontario powered almost 100% by clean energy by 2050, which will make us leaders and create stable futures for our communities. But this needs a clear strong climate plan, that can be community based and business-led. Thank you.