OSPE - The Voice - Spring 2020 - 13

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

estimated that 95% of the material value of plastic packaging,
between $100 and $150 billion dollars annually, is lost to the global
economy after only a single use. The durability of plastic, combined
with inadequate incentives and infrastructure to recover and
recycle this material, is a root cause of the global environmental
crisis. Through a ban on single-used plastics, Ontario can reduce
its environmental footprint while generating jobs and recovering
billions of dollars in lost value.
4. Increase electric vehicle adoption.
The transportation sector accounts for 35% of Ontario's GHG
emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are more energy efficient
than fuel powered vehicles. The adoption of EVs also leads to
significant economic gains. If EVs were to reach a 10% share
of the total vehicle population by 2025, Ontario could expect a
GDP increase of over $3.6 billion. Ontario stands to benefit from
a growing industry that would be modern, efficient, and create
new employment opportunities across the province. Increasing
the adoption of EVs requires a robust incentive mechanism for
consumers, pressure on producers, and widespread access of
charging stations.
5. Invest in hydrogen technology.
The adoption of hydrogen technology can dramatically, and cost
effectively reduce GHG emissions and generate economic growth.
Hydrogen technology displaces high GHG emitting fossil fuels.
Ontario's surplus power can be used, with the plentiful supply of
fresh water, to generate large quantities of hydrogen gas. There
are significant opportunities for Ontario designed and built
hydrogen technologies to be incorporated into all types of vehicles
manufactured or assembled, including mining equipment, trucks,
buses, cars and railcars. Ontario must work with engineers and
business leaders to develop a comprehensive strategy for the safe
adoption of this technology.
6. Tackle flooding, stormwater and watershed
management challenges.
In 2019, the increase in rainfall led to a state of emergency

declaration for 23 municipalities and one First Nations
community in Ontario. Flooding is expected to increase
due to climate change. It can have a significant financial
impact on both personal and public finances due to its effect
on homes, public infrastructure, and crops. To effectively
manage this, the government must develop a provincial
flood strategy, update the province's flood pain and flood
risk mapping, create a provincial response mechanism to
aid municipalities and local authorities, and promote the
adoption of green infrastructure.
7. Ensure safe drinking water is available for all
Indigenous Communities.
Ontario's Indigenous communities have the highest number
of long-term drinking water advisories in the country. In
October 2019, there were 43 long-term drinking water
advisories impacting 23 First Nations communities in
Ontario. Though the provision of safe and sustainable
drinking water on reserves is a shared responsibility,
between the federal government, and the respective First
Nations' community, the province of Ontario has also made
this a priority. The Ontario Government must continue
collaborating with the federal government and Indigenous
communities, to ensure funding formulas provide sufficient
resources for capital upgrades, operation and maintenance
costs. The province should also continue supporting and
funding the Indigenous Drinking Water Projects Office and
the Walkerton Clean Water Centre, to ensure the availability
of high-quality training programs to support operators,
managers and community leaders.
8. Invest in small modular reactors.
Nuclear energy in Canada is a strategic asset, providing 60%
of Ontario's electricity supply. Markets in Canada and around
the world are signaling an increased need for smarter, simpler
and cheaper nuclear energy. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
could fulfill this demand. Ontario has taken a leading role
by investing $26 billion to refurbish the province's nuclear

Spring 2020 THE VOICE

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OSPE - The Voice - Spring 2020

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