CIAC MEMBERS WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP ONTARIO’S NEW CAP-AND-TRADE SYSTEM

April 13, 2015

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) will continue to work closely with the Government of Ontario as the province moves to create the detailed requirements of its new cap-and-trade system to respond to climate change, announced by Premier Kathleen Wynne on April 13.

As the province moves forward in the design of its system the Government must:

• ensure the global competitiveness of its advanced chemical manufacturing sector will continue to play a vital role in Ontario’s economic agenda;
• create a clear and transparent system which is aligned with other jurisdictions and provides regulatory certainty to mitigate the impacts on costs and regulatory processes;
• develop a system for Ontario that balances emission reductions and does not hinder new investment in plants and technologies which provide jobs and economic growth; and,
• invest in the development of a technology fund that would support research of low-carbon solutions.

Canada’s chemistry industry has a strong track record in responding to the climate change challenge. For more than 20 years, CIAC members have been fully committed to proactive voluntary action which has led to significant decreases in absolute GHG emissions through operational efficiencies and product innovation.  Since 1992, CIAC member companies with operations in Ontario have reduced their GHG emissions by 42 per cent.

CIAC represents the interests of Canada’s leading chemistry companies – from petrochemical, inorganic and specialty chemical producers, to bio-based manufacturers and chemistry-related technology and R&D companies. Ontario’s chemistry industry employs 42,000 Ontarians directly, and supports another 210,000 jobs in the province’s economy.