A few weeks ago, I did something that I’ve never done before. I wrote a letter to my MPP. I was worried that a carbon tax would be introduced in the upcoming budget and I was concerned about that.
Here’s what I wrote:
Dear MPP,
I am writing to say I OPPOSE the rumored carbon tax the Liberals are proposing in the upcoming spring 2015 budget. Please do research on climate change. Virtually all statistics coming out are being manipulated to it make it appear that there is a warming trend… the opposite is true.
Please do the right thing and vote against a budget that has a carbon tax in it.
And here is the robotic response I got. Looks like this is a generic e-mail with my name slapped on the top. Didn’t address anything I had to say in my original message.
Dear Political Paradox,
Thank you for your email regarding our government’s ongoing discussions surrounding a climate change strategy for Ontario. I always appreciate hearing from constituents.
The Government of Ontario is committed to providing leadership in fighting climate change, which is why the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) is launching consultations on a new Climate Change Strategy.
We know that climate change threatens our communities, infrastructure, natural resources, businesses, and the environment – at home, and internationally. While we still have a lot of work ahead of us, we are proud to build on the progress we have already made.
Ontario’s decision to close coal-fired electricity plants, curb the use of cosmetic pesticides, and protect 1.8 million acres of land have resulted in fewer smog days and cleaner water. Ending coal-fired power is the single largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative in North America, equivalent to taking seven million cars off the road.
Over the next few months, we will be asking Ontarians about their thoughts on how to fight climate change, foster economic growth, and keep our businesses competitive. In fact, Ontario has the fastest growing clean-tech sector in Canada, with 2,700 clean-tech firms employing 65,000 people and generating annual revenues of more than $8 billion.
To begin the process, a Climate Change Discussion Paper has been posted to the Environmental Registry for public comment on February 12, 2015 for a 45 day period, and is the first phase of a series of comprehensive consultations to be held throughout the coming year. To contribute to the ongoing discussion, please visit www.ebr.gov.on.ca
These province-wide consultations will speak to climate change, the risks of doing nothing, economic growth opportunities, and our path forward. Further details regarding in-person public sessions can be found at www.ontario.ca/climatechange
We look forward to hearing from the general public, industry stakeholders, businesses, Aboriginal leaders, and municipal representatives on this vital issue. Also, Ontario will host a Climate Summit of the Americas from July 7-9, 2015, to advance collaborative action on climate change ahead of the Conference of the Parties in Paris in December 2015.
Once again, thank you for writing. If I can be of assistance with any other provincial issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.