Premier Sets the Table for Climate Change Talks

Josh Pringle
Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Premier Dalton McGuinty warns a national cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions cannot “discriminate” against Ontario.

Ahead of Wednesday’s Environment Ministers meeting on climate change, McGuinty said any gains generated in Ontario through a system must remain in provincial hands.

“When we have that plan in place, it had better not discriminate against Ontarians who have in fact worked long and hard to reduce our emissions,” McGuinty said Tuesday.

The Premier added “we have made considerable progress in our plan.”

A cap-and-trade system would place a ceiling on greenhouse gases and let participants buy and sell emissions permits within the cap.

McGuinty says discrimination could occur if Ontario’s hard work in reducing emissions lets other provinces “off the hook.”