Ending cap-and-trade will take a toll

Re Ford’s first step in reducing gas prices, July 4 We have our very own Trump leading Ontario’s government! His irrational hatred of everything Liberal and all that Kathleen Wynne did is very reminiscent of Trump’s response to former U.S. president Barack Obama.

Postponing the Ontario Special Investigations Unit Act, which would have strengthened civilian oversight of police actions, is only one action in destroying the positive legacy of the Wynne government. Suspending price caps on ticket scalping is another. But most harmful, by all accounts, is the abandonment of Ontario’s capand-trade alliance with California and Quebec.

Not only is Ford out to destroy the positive elements of Wynne’s legacy, but he is deliberately going against scientific evidence in his effort to curry favour with his base support. Sound familiar? Withdrawing from agreements with allies — sound familiar?

Ford says these measures are somehow going to end up putting more money in my pocket. But at what cost to the public? Lower gas prices so we are free to pollute the air? Higher ticket prices so only the rich can attend cultural and sporting events? And what about police activity — no restraints?

The Regressive Conservatives are keeping their campaign promises. But with what results? Stephen Bloom, Toronto I hope Ontarians brace themselves for massive cuts and elimination of government programs. Doug Ford cites his real reason for cancelling cap-and-trade — he doesn’t like funding of “big government programs.”

Cap-and-trade would have let provincial and municipal governments help people reduce fossil fuel use and prepare for the adverse impacts of climate change. That won’t happen.

Start putting away the nickels you save at the pump and the $280 in annual tax cut savings. You will need that and more to fix your home when severe weather hits. The government won’t have the money or willingness to help. Salmon Lee, Mississauga I woke up today to see that Ford’s government favours a dirty environment, unfettered cops and unlimited ticket prices.

I can hardly wait for the next moves of Trum-pland in Ontario. Peter Crosby, Toronto