The Hamilton Spectator

Where are our leaders on climate change?

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RE: CARBON PRICING, THE NATIONAL DIVIDER (MAY 9)

This column is right — the biggest cloud of emissions hangs over the House of Commons, and is obfuscatin­g everyone’s judgment.

I always thought our elected MPs and MPPs were there to bring in legislatio­n for the good of everyone in every part of the country. To work together to solve whatever crises arise, like the world did for the Ozone problem and World Wars 1 and 2.

Canada signed on to the Paris agreement. It is long past time for the provinces and territorie­s to ensure that they work with the federal government to meet our internatio­nal commitment­s, or we are no longer a country.

We have a climate crisis here and now, and it is up to our representa­tives to show they are up to the task of representi­ng their constituen­ts who want a credible climate plan enacted.

Ecofiscal Commission studies show carbon pricing is the most effective way to change behaviour, at the least cost. And the most effective carbon pricing is revenueneu­tral with the money going back to the people to allow them to decide how to cut their carbon footprint. True market forces at work. Carbon fee and dividend will do just that.

Or put another way, cash back in everyone’s pocket. Who does not want that?

The time for debating is over. It is time for action. Where are our leaders?

Gord Cumming, Georgetown

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