Ontario's Cap and Trade System Must Reflect and Fund Key Municipal Role

TORONTO, April 13, 2015 /CNW/ - The Association of Municipalities of Ontario will press the Province to ensure that the cap and trade system announced today reflects the key role of municipal government in tackling climate change.

"Municipal governments have been at the forefront of climate change efforts, dedicating significant resources to transit, energy efficiency, stormwater management and other initiatives," said AMO President Gary McNamara.  "To be successful, Ontario's climate change strategy will need to support municipal action and respect our fiscal situation."

"The proceeds of carbon pricing must be put to work in our communities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions even more, and preparing communities for extreme weather," Mr. McNamara said.  "AMO will be working hard to ensure the cap and trade system enables municipal governments to take climate change action, rather than increasing the burden and costs to our communities."

Municipalities collect only nine cents of each tax dollar to fund programs, services, and infrastructure.  This small share of tax revenue cannot meet Ontario's current demand for infrastructure investment, which will require an additional $60 billion over the next ten years just to meet current demand.  Municipal action on climate change would further increase costs.  To be effective, dedicated funding will be needed.

AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario's 444 municipal governments.  AMO supports and enhances strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada's political system.

SOURCE Association of Municipalities of Ontario

Brian Lambie, AMO Media Contact, 416-729-5425, [email protected]; Follow AMO on Twitter: @AMOPolicy