Ford’s office denies telling staff to stop using term ‘climate change’

TORONTO — Emails from Ontario civil servants asking staff to stop using the term “climate change” on government social media accounts were based on false information, Premier Doug Ford’s office said Friday.

Several internal emails published on a Toronto blog said Ford’s office had directed workers at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as well as Ontario Parks to not use the term online.

A spokesperson for Ford said the premier’s office has never issued such a directive to anyone in government.

“The premier’s office has never given direction to anyone in the government not to use the term climate change on social media,” Laryssa Waler said in a statement. “To say otherwise is 100 per cent false.”

Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner wrote the province’s Environment Minister Rod Phillips asking him to clear the air on the controversy.

“I am asking you to please clarify what has transpired and to state unequivocally that all public servants and political staff within your ministry and all government ministries and departments are permitted to speak about climate change,” he said.

In a reply to Schreiner, Phillips calls the emails “a mistake” and says the province takes its commitment to fight climate change seriously.

“We understand the importance of taking steps to ensure we protect our environment,” he said. “We care a great deal about the environment and remain committed to take action to encourage lower emissions.”

Phillips has promised a plan to address climate change this fall.