Huron-Bruce MPP asks if Ontario premier wrote flawed Cap-and-Trade bill at kitchen table

Monday, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Ontario Progressive Conservative (PC) environment and Cap-and-Trade critic, called on premier Kathleen Wynne to drop her flawed Cap-and-Trade bill and begin developing a revenue-neutral plan that protects taxpayers and is subject to rigorous oversight.

 

"Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen the Liberal government put forward an almost unprecedented number of amendments to its Cap-and-Trade bill," said Thompson, in Question Period.

 

"With more than 70 Liberal amendments before committee, it's time for the premier to explain why her signature piece of legislation is such a mess," Thompson said. "Is it because she also chose to write the Cap-and-Trade bill on the back of a napkin at her kitchen table over the weekend, or is this just how she handles the rules for Ontario's democracy?"

 

Thompson was referencing reports that, without any consultation, Wynne sat down at her kitchen table and wrote out changes to Ontario's fund-raising rules on a weekend.

The premier dodged Thompson's questions, leaving it to environment minister Glen Murray to answer. Murray said Bill 172 is "one of the most complex pieces of legislation ever introduced" at Queen's Park, yet he is against proper study of it in committee.

 

Bill 172 has loopholes big enough to drive a truck through, said Thompson. To name a few, funding decisions will be made in secret; the financial accountability officer will not have access to spending plans, and taxpayers will receive no relief, even though they will be forced to pay, over the long-term, nearly $900 more every year on gas and home-heating.

 

"Will the premier admit she messed up, withdraw Bill 172 and begin developing a revenue-neutral plan that protects taxpayers?" asked Thompson.

 

To view Thompson's question in Question Period, click on the following link: http://tinyurl.com/hoe2emw.