Premier makes false claim, linking GM closure to carbon pricing

November 29, 2018

TORONTO — Green Party of Ontario leader and Guelph MPP, Mike Schreiner, released the following statement in response to the Premier's press conference:

“I am extremely disappointed that the Premier continues to mislead the people of Ontario about the implications of putting a price on pollution and taking climate action.

Today he incorrectly blamed the decision by GM to close its Oshawa plant on pollution pricing and said that the decades long decline of manufacturing jobs is due to carbon taxes. This is patently untrue.

In fact, GM has been explicit that it supports pollution pricing and favours a model that returns all revenue to the public in the form of dividends. The company has already incorporated a shadow carbon price into its business planning.

Alberta and BC continue to lead the country in economic growth and both provinces have carbon pricing in place. In fact, the highest performing jurisdictions around the world have or are planning to put a price on pollution.

The Premier also ignored GM’s own statement that its decision was part of a global shift towards electric and zero-emissions vehicles, which experts predict will represent 55% of new car sales by 2040.

Politicizing the GM plant closure for an anti-climate crusade is irresponsible.

Instead of attacking the clean economy, I’m asking the Premier to embrace it this $26 trillion economic opportunity. I’m calling on the Premier to work with stakeholders to develop an auto strategy for Ontario to lead the EV revolution, not lose jobs to jurisdictions who are embracing electric vehicles.”

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