In preparation for the final debate on Bill 4, the climate cancellation bill, Green Party of Ontario Leader and Guelph MPP, Mike Schreiner sent out an email asking people what message they would like to send to Premier Ford about climate action.

“The Premier continues to fight against climate action, undeterred by evidence, criticisms from the business community, market-friendly solutions, and even the most dire warning to date from the world’s top scientists. So I thought maybe the government could be persuaded by the people they claim to be ‘for.’” said Schreiner.
The response was astounding. Within a few hours, over 1000 responses were received, and by the next day, his inbox was flooded with 3000 emails rejecting Bill 4.

“I heard from mothers and fathers genuinely afraid about bringing children into this world. I heard from professionals and scientists shocked the government is blatantly ignoring the facts. And I heard from the elderly, gravely concerned about what their grandchildren would endure in 10 or 20 years due to our government’s inaction. They all told me that they expect leadership and vision, not cynical political games and a defence of big oil,” said Schreiner.

“I’d like to know what the government consultation numbers are. From the 3000 responses I’ve received, Ontarians are ashamed the Ford government is abandoning responsibility on climate action. Many of the people who contacted ,e espoused conservative values, shocked that the Premier is neglecting his responsibility to conserve our environment,” added Schreiner.

Schreiner also fact-checked the government on its absurd spin about job losses and economic decline. He pointed out that the five best economic performing provinces in Canada all have a price on pollution. The best-performing economies in Europe, as well as California, which has already met its emissions targets early, have a price on pollution. Schreiner also called out the government for deceiving Ontarians about carbon fee and dividend.

“How is pollution pricing a tax grab if the money is rebated back to Ontarians? In fact, carbon fee and dividend is the most market-friendly, low-cost climate solution. It is supported by conservative economists including Stephen Harper’s former policy advisor. And it puts money directly in the pockets of low and moderate income households,” pointed out Schreiner.

Read a few samples of the testimonials below and more at:

https://gpo.ca/2018/10/30/ontarians-share-their-climate-change-message-with-doug-ford/

I have a small child, a baby on the way and hopefully grandchildren in my future and I want them all to have fresh air, clean water, green space and a safe, healthy environment to thrive and flourish in. Unfortunately, with all of the green initiatives that have been targeted, removed, discontinued and proudly eliminated, I fear something closer to a post apocalyptic wasteland seen only in movies becoming a reality sooner rather than later. Right now I worry that this planet won't survive my lifetime let alone my children or grandchildren. I'm saddened and disappointed by your actions Mr. Ford and ask that you put aside whatever anti-environment agenda you seem to have and try to think big picture long term. -Natasha, Brampton

Climate change is not a partisan issue, nor is it a territorial issue. It is a global issue that affects the entire planet - and connects us all regardless of faith, political party, ethnicity, race or gender, even regardless of species. I urge you to stop feeding your base with unscientific sound bites. I urge you to stop making addressing climate change a short-term partisan issue. Show true leadership. Take real forward thinking scientifically based action to protect us, our assets, and our environment. That is your job as elected officials. -Azadeh, Toronto

Premier Ford, I am 81 years old and what happens in the next few years won't make much difference to me. But my children and my grandchildren will have to live with the consequences of shutting our eyes to what is happening. To avert the disaster that is barreling down on us all, we need to take action to cut down drastically on pollution, and we need to do it now! I just hope that it isn't already too late. -Margaret, Toronto

Mr, Ford, I would like you to think twice about passing Bill 4 which will cancel pollution pricing and erase emissions targets. I work in the conservation field and see first hand the increasing effects of climate change here in Ontario. I am not talking about weather - I'm talking about the longer term trends such as flooding and extreme heat that is very worrying. I have kids and the situation for them when they grow up will be much more dire. I am worried about their future and the future of all Ontarians (and indeed, people all over the world) when it comes to this issue. I would like to be proud of my province and the role we could play in addressing climate change issues head on. -Bronwen, Guelph

source: media release, GPO