Huron-Bruce MPP questions Liberals on Cap-and-Trade timeline

Today (Sept. 29) in the Legislature, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson questioned the Liberal government on its rash decision to move ahead with plans to implement Cap-and-Trade in the next seven months.

 

"Ontario remains completely in the dark about plans for revenue and carbon credits, yet this government is rushing to introduce its plan in time for a Paris photo-op," said Thompson.

 

In contrast, the governments of California and Quebec took seven years and five years, respectively, to conduct consultations and work out the details of their Cap-and-Trade systems, Thompson said. Ignoring this practice of careful consideration, however, the Liberals have chosen to steam roll through without completing a cost-benefit analysis. And it is this lack of information, as the Clean Profits report published by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce pointed out this morning, that has the business community concerned.

 

"What businesses need to succeed is certainty, and I'm asking the minister for the environment and climate change to address the concerns outlined in this report," said Thompson.

 

When questioned, however, the environment minister said that the government has been involved in years of consultation and has been meeting with businesses on a weekly basis.

 

If this were the case, then why has the Ontario Chamber of Commerce felt the need to publish a list of its concerns?

 

To listen to Thompson's question, click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszNk_rxBNtQRWRA5RY9o1Q