TORONTO – MPPs Aislinn Clancy and Mike Schreiner have tabled a joint bill calling on the government to stop fuelling oil and gas greed.
While most provinces in Canada allow municipalities to charge fossil fuel giants like Enbridge for the use of municipal land, Ontario does not. This results in a lost source of revenue for municipalities and a subsidization of fossil fuel infrastructure at taxpayers’ expense.
The No Free Ride for Fossil Fuels Act, if passed, would allow municipalities to charge Enbridge and other gas providers for use of public land. It would put an end to Enbridge’s free ride and force fossil fuel giants to pay their fair share.
“Doug Ford is in the pocket of fossil fuel companies,” said Schreiner. “He has repeatedly put corporations like Enbridge before the people of this province. His actions are fueling climate chaos, hurting our communities and driving up the cost of living.”
While climate change continues to devastate homes and communities and put Ontarians’ health at risk, fossil fuel giants are making record profits. Enbridge recently reported third-quarter profits of nearly $1.3 billion, up from $532 million the year prior.
“Greens believe in putting people before fossil fuel profits,” said Clancy. “We’re calling on the Ford government to stop subsidizing oil and gas greed and to invest in cleaner, cheaper alternatives that make our communities fairer, safer and stronger.”
“It’s time for the Premier to show us where his priorities lie. Is it with everyday Ontarians, or is it with gas giants like Enbridge?”