With the Global Climate Strike set for Friday, federal election campaigns are focusing on the climate this week.
Local NDP candidates in Windsor-West, Windsor-Tecumseh, and Essex say they are committed to a plan that includes putting money in the hands of municipalities to help mitigate disasters related to climate change.
"Municipalities need federal access to funding right away. Unfettered access, no hoops to jump through," said Cheryl Hardcastle, NDP candidate for Windsor-Tecumseh.
The NDP has committed to a $2.5 billion fund to help municipalities in times of flooding or wildfires. The candidates said there are many places they can cut from the budget to help pay for that fund, including cutting tax credits to oil and gas companies.
"There are 17 different tax exemptions that oil and gas companies have, that results in approximately $1.3 billion in subsidies per year. Ending that immediately would give us substantial revenue for the next four years," said Brian Masse, candidate for Windsor-West.
The Liberals have also promised a new national flood insurance program to protect homeowners and a new EI Disaster Assistance benefit if you are unable to work in a disaster situation. The party released its full climate action plan on Wednesday.
The Green Party has also committed to helping municipalities "climate-proof" essential infrastructure to upgrade water and wastewater systems.
The Conservatives climate plan includes a green home renovation tax credit to give homeowners the opportunity to retrofit their homes.
