For immediate release:
September 14, 2009

Ontario caps economy and trades away jobs - Barrett
Cap and trade bill a moot provincial response to global problem

Queen’s Park – “Think globally, act globally…”

That was the message from Opposition Environment Critic Toby Barrett in addressing the McGuinty government’s cap and trade legislation at Queens Park today.

Barrett warned government of the unwanted impact of provincial tinkering with a worldwide problem.

“My main concern with this legislation revolves around the inadequacy of a local provincial response to a global question.” Barrett informed the legislature. “Quite simply, if some of the main producers of carbon are not going to be involved in this cap and trade gambit – China, and India – how can Mr. McGuinty change the climate? And how do we compete with their imports? Hence the moniker, ‘cap and trade jobs to china’”

Barrett also pointed out that while people in Ontario are concerned about the McGuinty harmonized sales tax, e-health and OLG scandals, no one is discussing cap and trade. He went on categorize Bill 185 as an attempt to grab ‘Green’ headlines while diverting attention away from the real issues of economy and job losses – issues the legislation further exacerbates.

“I question why Ontario would expose business and industry to an unlevel playing field, unfair trade and competition at both the out-of-province and international levels,” stated Barrett. “And this at a time when we have lost 330,000 manufacturing jobs in this province, with an economy that continues to sputter under further government hurdles – like Bill 185 – that impede recovery.”

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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629