Liberal Government Fights Climate Change by Dumping Millions into California Economy

QUEEN’S PARK – The Liberal Government’s cap-and-trade plan for Ontario is to dump $300-million a year into the California economy.

It was revealed that by 2020, Ontario companies will be forced to buy emissions allowances from California at the cost of $300-million. By 2030, the increased cost of allowances could see Ontario spending nearly $3-billion on California based allowances.

“The government could be fighting climate change by investing in Ontario. Instead I’ve learned the Liberals think the best way to fight climate change is by sending hundreds of millions of dollars to California,” said Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown during Question Period. “Where is that money coming from? It’s being paid by Ontario businesses and families.”

The Ontario PC Caucus put forward a number of amendments to fix loopholes in the legislation so that it would more effectively tackle climate change within the province. Unfortunately, the Liberal majority voted them all down. The PCs remain committed to a revenue neutral plan.

“Environment Minister Glen Murray has said that the Liberals’ cap-and-trade scheme will cost Ontario families and businesses ‘a lot of money,’ yet he won’t say how much,” said MPP Lisa Thompson, the PC Caucus’ Environment and Climate Change Critic, after Question Period. “With billions of dollars now slated to be shipped to California, we know that this scheme will drive up the cost of everything. It’s time for the Liberals to come clean and disclose the total cost impact on families and businesses.”  

“This government has driven business out of Ontario for over 13 years. Why are they now subsidizing California rather than helping Ontario fight climate change?” Brown concluded his questioning. “On the Premier’s last junket to California, did the Governor thank her for the $300-million a year she was giving that state?”

VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdf4b5Q-4_s&feature=youtu.be