Liberals, NDP vote to pass cap-and-trade cash-grab into law

QUEEN’S PARK –Today, the Liberals and the NDP joined together to pass Premier Kathleen Wynne’s reckless cap-and-trade bill into law, says Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce and Ontario PC Environment Critic.

“The Liberals’ cap-and-trade scheme is a cash-grab that will increase the cost of gas, groceries, electricity and home-heating,” Thompson said. “Many Ontarians are already struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table for their families. Unfortunately, this reality hasn’t stopped the Liberals and the NDP from voting in favour of increasing the cost of living in Ontario by thousands of dollars a year.”

An internal government document obtained by the Globe and Mail this week revealed that Premier Kathleen Wynne’s cap-and-trade cash-grab is just the start of the Liberals’ radical climate plan. Next, the Liberals want to cut off natural gas to homeowners and force them to convert to electric heat. The cost of retrofitting a home from natural gas is $4,500.

“In Ontario, 76% of Ontarians rely on natural gas to heat their homes. Now, the Liberal government wants to cut off this affordable source of energy and force Ontarians to pay $3,000 more a year to heat their home with electricity,” Thompson said. “This plan shows just how out of touch the Liberals are with the priorities of Ontarians and just how reckless the Liberals’ cap-and-trade scheme will be for hardworking taxpayers and our economy.”

Premier Kathleen Wynne’s cap-and-trade scheme will also increase the cost of gasoline by hundreds of dollars a year.

“Premier Wynne specifically promised in 2014 that she would not raise gas taxes. Now, with no regard for the lives of Ontarians, she has broken her promise and is increasing the cost of gasoline in Ontario,” Thompson said. “Private-sector estimates show Ontario drivers will have to fork over another $400 a year to pay for higher gas prices as a result of cap-and-trade.”