Dear friends of climate action,
Today is an important day for climate action globally – and brings with it local actions we can take.
The IPCC scientists meeting in S. Korea issued a report yesterday calling for urgent action on climate. You can read more at this link .
Also important news yesterday! THE NOBEL PRIZE FOR ECONOMICS WAS AWARDED TO ECONOMIST SHOWING THAT CARBON PRICING IS EFFECTIVE
These are arguments that you can include in your submission to the consultation on Bill 4 The Cap and Trade Cancellation Act. Please read more below – and scroll down for election information! Just 2 weeks to go!
BILL 4- CAP AND TRADE CANCELLATION ACTION – LAST CALL FOR COMMENTS
Hundreds of Ontarians signed our petition to press the government for consultation on Bill 4, the Cap and Trade Cancellation Act. The Environmental Bill of Rights requires that any act that will affect the environment be open for consultation.
Thanks to public pressure and the legal work of Greenpeace and EcoJustice, the government has opened a period of consultation on Bill 4. The deadline for comment is October 11 th .
Submit your comments to the Government here . Or send via the Greenpeace link which will also copy your MPP.
Here are some suggestions of what to say:
- I want a real climate change plan to reduce emissions, help people save energy and create jobs in the $26 trillion clean economy.
- I want Ontario to put a price on pollution, making polluters pay for their emissions and returning the revenues to the pockets of Ontarians so they can lower their carbon footprint.
- I want legally binding emissions targets in line with our obligations to the Paris Climate Agreement.
- I want Ontario to be 100% powered by renewable energy including water power from Quebec.
- I want Ontario to end subsidies and handouts for fossil fuel companies and redirect this money to clean energy solutions.
We also have background info available on our VOCAL campaign page and in this background piece.
You can also view the report by the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, Dianne Saxe, here.
Please save and email your comments to your MPP – and we’d be pleased if you would cc a copy to lyn@climatefast.ca .
SAVE THE DATES: LET’S FILL THE COMMITTEE ROOMS AND THE LEGISLATURE!
Committee hearings – Monday October 15 th , and Wednesday October 17 th , 9 – 10:15 and 3 – 6 pm both days
Debate in the Legislature – Monday October 22 nd 9 – 10:15 am, 3 – 6 pm; Wednesday October 24 th 9 – 10:15, 2 – 8 pm
MUNICIPAL ELECTION IS ON! QUESTIONS FOR CANDIDATES AND LINK FOR CANDIDATE INFO
It is urgent that we elect a climate action friendly council on October22nd – just 2 weeks from today!
ClimateFast has developed the following 5 questions for you to ask your local candidates.
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Do you agree that action on climate change emissions at the municipal level is a high priority for City Council?
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Will you support continued full funding of the City’s Transform TO climate action plan?
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Will you support Transform Yonge Street?– Note: this redesign for north Yonge St. with four lanes of traffic plus bike lanes and wider sidewalks is consistent with the Active Transportation planning goals of TransformTO
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Will you support an expanded bike lane network? Note: New York City invests $38/capita per year; Toronto invests just $5.71/capita. – will they support matching NYC which has resulted in big safety improvements?
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Will you support investing in public transit infrastructure as a priority for reducing GHG emissions as well as improving commuting options for Toronto residents?
Resource Links:
- TTCRiders asks . Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation – Safe Streets asks
The Toronto Council Renewal Project has reviewed all of the council candidates on their social and environmental policies and made recommendations for each ward. Please check here for more information
If you would like to get involved with any of these campaigns, contact ss.how11@gmail.com or check torontorenewal.com for more info. Social media assistance is always appreciated.
WE NEED ACTION ON CLIMATE- FAST! Together we can really make a difference. Thank you to all that you do!
ClimateFast team