Policy
Proven, ready-to-deploy climate actions that “multi-solve”.
For all levels of government
Governments have unique regulatory and fiscal tools to reduce carbon, create local jobs, improve air quality, and make life more affordable at once.
Ensure policies and programs are designed to achieve health, affordability, economic development, and climate objectives.
Integrate government spending and regulatory strategies in a holistic approach to accelerate cost-effective, rapidly deployable climate solutions.
Send clear market signals and structure public funds to attract opportunities for business and industry, and make funding conditional on low-carbon outcomes.
Rationale for TAF policy recommendations
Why green buildings?
Standards and incentives for buildings make new and existing homes and businesses more efficient and affordable over the long term. They reduce carbon emissions, reduce the burden on our strained electricity system and services, generate local jobs and economic value, reduce operating costs for owners and operators, and provide protection from the impacts of climate change like floods and extreme heat.
Why EV charging?
All actions that encourage EVs significantly reduce carbon and air pollution, attract more EV supply chain investments and business, and help people save money at the fuel pump. Coordination between governments on planning and investment in charging will address range anxiety and make EVs more accessible to more people. By prioritizing EV readiness and deprioritizing parking minimums at the local level, building out charging will be more affordable than retrofitting parking stalls in the future.
Why clean electricity?
Emissions from the electricity grid increased 28% last year – a dangerous trend as Ontario ramps up gas–fired generation. Continued reliance on fracked American natural gas will increase emissions and air pollution and leave future generations saddled with stranded assets when gas plants are not permitted to operate. Meanwhile, renewable energy, storage, and demand-side management are rapidly deployable and cost-effective. Sending strong regulatory signals and investing in non-emitting sources means no pollution, no carbon emissions, policy certainty for the cleantech industry, and an attractive investment environment for global companies who need to meet their ESG requirements. Clean electricity makes Canada less reliant on fossil fuels and supports energy sovereignty.
Why red tape reduction?
All levels of government naturally accumulate regulations and processes that become outdated over time, some of which are now barriers to climate solutions. Streamlining processes and removing red tape will reduce the cost and complexity of climate action for households and businesses like developers, tradespeople, and technology installers. It also reduces bureaucratic workloads, especially municipal rules associated with managing permits, zoning amendments, and minor variances.