Today, the Ontario PC government revealed its response to climate change.

Rod Phillips, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks says the plan "contains solutions that will protect our air, land and water, reduce waste, address litter, increase our resilience to climate change and help us all do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."  The new plan is posted on the Environmental Registry for public input for 60 days.

"The government will hold polluters accountable with stronger enforcement and tougher penalties for breaking environmental laws. "Made-in-Ontario" emission standards will also consider factors such as trade-exposure, competitiveness and process-emissions and will include the authority to introduce exemptions for Ontario's auto sector and other exposed industries as needed" according to a government media release. It went on to say Ontario will  "unleash the resourcefulness and creativity of the private sector while freeing them from burdensome taxes and red tape that make them less profitable and hinder their growth."

Proposed local environmental action include initiatives such as a new province-wide day of action to fight litter and partnerships with organizations like Ducks Unlimited and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to fight invasive species and encourage conservation.

"We promised the people of Ontario we are serious about addressing environmental challenges of our day while respecting hard-working taxpayers - and we are keeping that promise," said Phillips.