The Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce -- in lock step with the provincial group -- is looking for Ontario's new cap-and-trade program to be delayed at least a year.
The provincial government recently passed legislation creating the new cap-and-trade framework which sets pollution limits and allows credits to be sold. President and CEO of the local chamber of commerce Gail Bishop says businesses need the extra time to adjust. "We need to be environmentally mindful and we want to be partners in that, but we want to be cautious that it's done in a well thought out plan that will benefit business and residents the same," says Bishop. She feels cap-and-trade will unfairly impact Chatham-Kent more than other communities. "We, as a community, do not have the privilege and the opportunity to use transit for commuting to and from work, employment, necessities that we require," says Bishop.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has sent the environment minister four questions it wants answered regarding the new program including what cap-and-trade will look like after 2020 and how the expected $1.9-billion in revenue from the new system will be reinvested.
The first auction to sell off pollution credits is expected in early 2017.
