Ontario Appoints Special Advisor for Climate Change, Creates Climate Action Group
Province Taking Action on Climate Change
Ontario has appointed John Godfrey as special advisor for climate change and appointed him as chair of the government's new climate action group.
Godfrey will provide strategic advice and make recommendations to Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, including identifying opportunities to advance Ontario's leadership internationally and strengthen collaboration with other subnational jurisdictions.
The climate action group will advise the minister on effective climate change actions that will help Ontario meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals and transition to a prosperous, low-carbon economy. This advice will build on feedback received through the government's public consultations on climate change.
The climate action group includes academics, business and civic leaders. It will meet quarterly and collaborate closely with Québec's Climate Change Advisory Committee to support work between the two provinces. Any joint meetings of the advisory groups will be by video or teleconference.
Demonstrating climate leadership and taking action on climate change is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts
Ontario posted a Climate Change Discussion Paper on the Environmental Registry on Feb.12, 2015, for a 45-day comment period, ending March 29.
The province is also inviting feedback on the paper through in-person consultations, which began Feb. 24, and a new online consultation tool that lets users submit, view and vote on ideas.
Ontario has demonstrated leadership and collaboration through its agreement with Québec and a joint statement on climate change with Québec, California and British Columbia, resolving to work towards mid-term greenhouse gas reduction targets.
The province also joined the Compact of States and Regions, which commits international partners to publicly reporting on greenhouse gas emissions every year.
Ontario will host a Climate Summit of the Americas from July 7-9, 2015, to advance collaborative action on climate change ahead of the Conference of the Parties in Paris in December.
Background Information
Special Advisor and Climate Action Group
Additional Resources
Climate Change Discussion Paper
Ontario Climate Change Update 2014
Quotes
“The Honourable John Godfrey and members of the climate action group bring exceptional wisdom, experience and vision to help develop a forward-looking strategy and action plan that will help Ontario effectively fight climate change and foster a prosperous, low-carbon economy. Our fight against climate change will benefit from these leaders and their passion for helping build a better future for our planet and Ontario.”
Glen R. Murray
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change
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