Statement from Leader of the Official Opposition Leader Patrick Brown on Cap-and-Trade

The following is a statement from the Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown on the Wynne Liberals’ cap-and-trade plan:

“Ontarians work hard every single day, but just can’t seem to get ahead after paying some of the highest hydro bills in North America, and exorbitant Liberal taxes and fees never seem to stop going up.

“Ontarians are begging for relief, but instead of looking for ways to make life more affordable, Premier Kathleen Wynne has implemented a new cap-and-trade scheme that will make life even more expensive.

“As of January 1st this new cap-and-trade cash grab will increase home heating costs by as much as $13.54 a month and increase the price of gas at the pump by 4.3 cents a litre. Everything, from groceries to clothing, will become more expensive as a result of this new scheme.

“This cash grab will cost Ontario families and businesses roughly $2 billion each year, for the Wynne Liberals to spend on whatever scandal or pet project they dream up next.

“It’s also concerning that according to Ontario’s Auditor General we will not even see meaningful emission reductions here in Ontario through this new scheme. Instead, the government’s plan will have Ontario businesses sending money to California, with less than 20 per cent of the government’s planned reductions occurring at home.

“If their plan was really about the environment, the government wouldn’t keep the money raised through cap-and-trade as a Liberal slush fund. This is money that should be going back towards already burdened Ontario residents and businesses. Instead it’s clear that this is nothing more than a cap-and-trade cash grab by a broke, tired and reckless government.   

“If I am fortunate enough to earn the trust of Ontarians and become the next Premier, I will ensure a revenue neutral plan that will reduce emissions and put money back in the pockets of Ontarians.”