LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Gore’s powerful endorsement for cap-and-trade
At first I was surprised when I read that former U.S. vice-president Al Gore had given what amounts to a standing ovation for Ontario’s cap-and-trade system.
But then I thought, why wouldn’t he? After all, cap-and-trade is the fastest growing strategy used by governments everywhere, including the juggernaut China. Not only that but cap-and-trade and our federal carbon pricing policy are the top two approved main strategies to lower greenhouse emissions. Approved by economists of all political stripes. Approved by apolitical think tanks the world over. And not inconsequential, the Ecofiscal Commission, an independent economics organization formed in 2014 by a group of Canadian economists from across the country, concluded that these two systems can work effectively together.
That bodes well for Canada and its ability to fulfill its Paris agreement commitment. It is only logical that a man who has no dog in the fight but who knows all things climate change would support what he knows to be an effective and flexible means of encouraging businesses to lower their greenhouse gas emissions. I can only hope his powerful endorsement underscores the importance of supporting politicians who know how to build on what is a great start towards making Ontario emissions-free. Politicians promising to dismantle what works are not what Ontario needs. Climate change is a serious, longterm threat and only people who take this seriously need apply.
Carole Lavallee
Chelmsford, Ont.
Harbourtown tree clearance premature?
At the March 5 meeting of Fort Erie town council there was serious discussion about the possible authorization of tree cutting in connection with the Harbourtown Village development adjacent to Waverly Beach.
The essence of the discussion revolved around a suggestion that the cutting of trees on 12.8 hectares of land could begin the day after the council meeting that is expected to approve this development on March 19. This would be within the 20-day period when appeals are permitted to go to the Ontario Municipal Board.
The essence of tree protection bylaws is to ensure that forests are protected until the subdivision approval process is completed. This means legally, until possible appeals to the OMB are terminated. To seriously consider the premature massive destruction of a large tract of Carolinian forest, protected as a regionally significant forest under the Niagara Region official plan, is quite disgraceful. It is to be urgently hoped that the Waverly Beach forest will be protected until the OMB can decide such relevant matters as if there will be harm to endangered species, such as the red headed woodpecker, the barn swallow, the Fowler's toad and the chimney swift by the proposed, extensive, deforestation.
Dr. John Bacher (PhD)
Chair, Sierra Club of Ontario
Thanks for roadside assistance
I was in an accident on McLeod Road on Thursday, Feb. 22.
I would like to send out a heartfelt thanks to the two kind gentlemen who stopped to help, especially the one who called 911 and offered to hold my very shaky hand while waiting for help.
His calm demeanour and caring smile helped me through a very stressful time as I couldn’t get out of my vehicle. Sadly, I didn’t catch his name, but please know that your help was greatly appreciated. Debby White
Niagara Falls
A daily pleasure lost
I must agree with the letter from Helen Lockyer. One of my daily pleasures is to do the puzzles in your paper.
The jumble has remained the same but I am disappointed with the word find and crossword puzzle changes. I hope if there are enough requests that the old formats will be brought back. Please consider bringing back the word find and former crossword puzzle format for all the puzzle buffs who enjoyed doing them.
Lin Hodgkins
Welland