NDP tables legislation to protect province from future climate and environmental disasters

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP critic for energy and climate action Peter Tabuns (Toronto – Danforth) introduced new legislation to ensure that the province is prepared for future extreme weather events and disasters.

“Thousands of Canadians have been driven from their homes by climate change charged wildfires,” said Tabuns. "Ford’s Conservatives have to stop fiddling while the world burns – we have to get ready for a hotter climate.”

“Our bill gives the government the powers and plans it needs to protect Ontarians. It’s drawn from reports that they commissioned and have chosen to ignore. Acting today will save lives and money in the future.”

“You wouldn’t wait for your house to burn down before calling the fire department,” added Tabuns. “We’re in a growing climate crisis and we have to get on with the preventive work to reduce risk, reduce costs and save lives.”

Tabuns was joined by environment critic Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas), MPPs Jessica Bell (University – Rosedale), and Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West – Nepean) as well as Jennifer Penney from Seniors for Climate Action Now.

QUOTES

Chandra Pasma, MPP for Ottawa West – Nepean

“In Ottawa we’ve already lived through major power outages from extreme weather. We need to act now, to protect people by making sure that power, water and communications systems can continue to operate as conditions become even more volatile."

Sandy Shaw, MPP for Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas and Official Opposition critic for Environment

“The climate crisis means more intense local storms and a greater risk of flooding for many communities. Waiting will just put more lives and homes at risk. We must restore conservation authorities' powers and resources. We must act before, not after, there’s a major flood."

Jessica Bell, MPP for University – Rosedale

“A hotter world will mean higher food prices, much higher. If we don’t start planning to help agriculture in a warming world, groceries wouldn’t just be expensive, for many they’ll be unaffordable.”

Dr. Jennifer Penney, Chair, Adaptation Working Group, Seniors for Climate Action Now!

"A primary responsibility of government is to safeguard its citizens. And that includes protecting us from the impacts of climate change. Seniors, tenants in older housing stock and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable and deserve protection from more extreme heat waves."