Newsletter - mar. 20, 2024
Let's talk about the environment. Canadians are increasingly feeling the impact of climate change through record wildfire seasons, floods and droughts. As extreme weather becomes more prevalent and affects the safety, health, and quality of life of people across the country, we need to take steps to reduce our emissions while also addressing affordability.
And, that is exactly what our government is doing through the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR). In Ontario, everyone pays the same fuel charge, and every three months all direct proceeds are returned equally to the jurisdiction where they were collected. This means that the less you spend on gas, the more you will receive through the rebate. The CCR is possible because we put a price on pollution, and as a result, the vast majority of Canadians get more money back than they pay into the system.
When we started this program in 2022, a family of four in Ontario received an average of $745 for the 2022/23 fiscal year. This April, a family of four in Ontario will receive an average of $1120 for the 2024/25 fiscal year. This increase demonstrates that as we put more pressure on big polluters to reduce their emissions, we are increasing support for Canadians.
This carbon pricing system has proven to be effective as 80% of Canadians are getting more money put back in their bank accounts than they pay in the CCR. And, we are on track to meet our climate target for the first time in our history, with carbon pricing alone accounting for 1/3 of our emission reductions by 2030.
In addition to the CCR, we continue to support households in cutting energy costs through various initiatives, including financial assistance for home retrofits, energy efficient electric heat pumps, and zero-emission vehicles.
It is imperative that Canada remains committed to its climate goals to continue attracting investments and to compete with our international allies. Our government will continue to practice a multi-faceted approach that reduces our national carbon footprint and delivers energy-cost savings to Canadians.
My Main Street Program 2.0
In advance of International Women's Day 2024, the Hon. Filomena Tassi and I paid visits to female-run small businesses in Oakville to talk about My Main Street 2.0 & strengthening our downtown. Small businesses and nonprofits can apply to various streams to support their businesses as part of this federal initiative!
Apply until March 31, 2024.
The Women in Leadership Summit:
The Women with Drive Leadership Summit has been empowering women for a decade. And in those 10 years, progress has been made - like the 48% increase of women truck drivers. Thank you to the countless women across Canada who are driving right through glass ceilings.
Toronto Board of Trade:
From our historic investments in affordable housing and $10 a day childcare to our new legislation on PharmaCare - these are economic policies that will make a difference. As one of Canada’s largest Board of Trade's, the Toronto Board of Trade knows the value of blending social & economic policy.
Canadian Auto Dealers Association:
Canadian Auto Dealers Association is advancing our auto industry through advocating for dealerships across Canada on issues like auto theft & sustainable electric vehicle infrastructure. Today, we discussed how federal initiatives, like $121M to bolster ON law enforcement, are supporting these shared goals.
Surrey Board of Trade:
Surrey is the fastest growing municipality in BC and is a hub of innovation & small businesses! Great to meet with Surrey Board of Trade to discuss our $95 million investment for affordable housing in Surrey, strengthening our economy, local infrastructure investments, and more!