Clean Energy Canada | Ontario Launches Cap-and-Trade System
February 26, 2016

February 26, 2016

TORONTO — The Ontario Government released its 2016 Budget today, along with a regulation to implement a cap-and-trade system on greenhouse gas emissions. The system will operate under the Western Climate Initiative with California and Quebec.

The budget also contained $155 million in initiatives to reduce emissions through support for the clean technology sector, with program details to be provided over the coming months.

QUOTES

“In launching its cap and trade system, Ontario joins other jurisdictions representing nearly half of global GDP in putting a price on carbon pollution. It’s a key component of climate leadership, and the province deserves congratulations.

“Ontario has done its homework—it has worked to deliver a reasonable cap-and-trade policy that will deliver accountability and transparency. It’s a credible and robust policy that will stand up over the long-term.

“If you want to support clean energy technology, the vital first step is to put a price on carbon. Serious money—a third of a trillion dollars—was invested globally in renewable energy last year.  Momentum is on the side of jurisdictions that get in the game, and as a leader in renewable electricity, Ontario is growing companies that can seize this opportunity.”

­— Sarah Petrevan, Senior Policy Advisor, Clean Energy Canada

KEY FACTS

  • To date, 39 countries and more than 23 sub-national jurisdictions have either priced carbon or committed to do so. (Source: Clean Energy Canada
  • On February 17, Quebec and California held their 6th joint auction of greenhouse gas (GHG) allowances, generating approximately $216 million in revenue for Quebec, bringing total income to date close to $1.2 billion. (Source: Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change)
  • US$329 billion was invested globally in renewable power (excluding large hydro) in 2015 (Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance)

CONTACT

Sarah Petrevan, Senior Policy Advisor

647-999-2992

Julia Kilpatrick, Communications Director

250-888-3404

RESOURCES

  1. Ontario Budget 2016
  2. Ontario’s Cap and Trade Regulatory Proposal and Revised Guideline for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting