Considering options for addressing climate change and emissions control, such as reintroducing cap and trade and financial measures, is something the Ontario Liberals are open to as they develop their platform for the 2026 election.
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie stated that the party is creating a panel focused on climate change and the environment to explore various ways of reducing carbon emissions in Ontario, which will eventually be incorporated into their election platform.
As the Ford government attempts to portray Crombie as a supporter of the carbon tax, the Ontario Liberals are making efforts to clarify their stance and distance themselves from this controversial federal policy.
Although the individuals serving on the panel have not been disclosed by the Ontario Liberals, Crombie mentioned that the panel's goal is to examine methods for addressing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
Crombie mentioned that financial measures may be considered among the options, but emphasized that the costs would be aimed at polluters rather than families.
“We will make polluters pay, but it will be affordable for families,” Crombie explained. “So we’ve got an expert panel formed to provide recommendations on the direction we should take.”
The Ford government has frequently referenced the federal carbon tax in the Ontario legislature to underscore its impact on families and businesses. Cabinet members have fielded questions about the connection between the federal levy and challenges in their respective portfolios.
Ford also cautioned the federal Liberal government that carbon pricing is affecting the party's popularity.
“Wake up, smell the coffee,” Ford stated during an unrelated announcement in Milton, Ont. “Cancel this carbon tax, put it on hold, do whatever. And if you don’t, the people of Canada are going to annihilate you when the election comes up, simple as that.”
Liberal MPP Adam Van Koeverden fired back at the Ford government, attributing the presence of federally imposed carbon pricing to the premier's actions.
“That’s a backstop,” Van Koeverden remarked. “The only reason that Ontarians pay a carbon tax is because Doug Ford cancelled cap and trade, which also eliminated over $3 billion in revenue.”
Cap and trade, introduced by former Premier Kathleen Wynne, was Ontario’s approach to carbon emissions. This program permitted emitters to buy pollution credits from the province and exchange unused credits with companies in Quebec and California.
The province was obligated by law to reinvest revenues from cap and trade into environmental initiatives, such as rebates for making homes more energy efficient and subsidies for electric vehicles.
The Ford government scrapped the system immediately after taking office in 2018, resulting in the federal implementation of the carbon price.
“The only reason it’s in place in Ontario is because Doug Ford decided to foolishly and recklessly cancel our cap and trade program,” Van Koeverden asserted.
Critics of the price argue that the growing costs for residents and business owners will outweigh the rebate cheques provided by the federal government, even though revenues collected under the federal price are returned to Ontario homes.
Crombie has avoided answering questions about whether she supports the federal carbon price, but she has expressed approval for the previous cap and trade system.
Crombie stated that the cap and trade system was excellent and that it is something that should be considered.
