Platform 2007

Meeting Our Green Obligations

The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007

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©2007 Green Party of Ontario Stop Climate Change Achieve at least a 6% reduction in emissions below 1990 levels by 2010 to help meet Canada’s Kyoto obligations and 80% by 2050. Energy Self-sufﬁ ciency The GPO’s target for 2020 is to reduce our peak energy usage by 50% per capita or lower it to 60% of projected consumption. Better Education Merging the Roman Catholic and public school boards to eliminate duplication, save $500 million and improve quality of education.

Local Sustainability Work where we live, buy local goods, and support public transit and low- impact solutions to strengthen communities.

Real Issues. Real Answers. Be Real. Vote Green.

The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 1 Guide to Green Ontario in 2007

We can build a sustainable economy ...... 5

Ecological Fiscal Reform...... 5 Green Jobs for a Sustainable Economy...... 7 Northern Development...... 8 We can grow more responsibly...... 11

Energy ...... 11 Environmental Health...... 15 Agriculture ...... 17 Forests ...... 18 We can build safe and sustainable cities ...... 21

Green Space, Land Use and Urban Planning...... 21 Waste Reduction and Management ...... 22 Transportation ...... 23 Safe Communities ...... 25 We can build value into health and education...... 27

Education ...... 27 Healthy Communities ...... 28 We can build equity into our social and political systems ...... 31

Democratic Renewal ...... 31 Social ...... 32

2 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 Contents Meeting our Green Obligations

Introduction In a green and sustainable Ontario, the interdependent health of society, environment and economy is our measure of success.

Growth is balanced with the impera- Ontario is where it is today because tive of ﬁ nite resources. Ontario is the mainstream parties are more more than a source of proﬁ ts; it interested in power than in responsi- belongs to the people of this prov- bility. ince. This is our home. It is where we When the Green Party says it is time live, work and raise families. for change, we mean that it is time for The Green Party of Ontario believes this province to change fundamentally that social, economic and environ- the way it does business. mental policy should: We support the right of all taxpayers ■ create a green and sustainable to get all the information about an living for the people of Ontario issue, to be involved in its resolu- tion through citizens’ assemblies, to ■ contribute to the planet’s greater receive incentives for doing the right good thing and to know when they’re doing ■ establish the foundation for a the wrong thing. green and sustainable future. Is this about power? In a way, yes. It is about people Our platform seeks to do so not by spending more having the power to take responsibility for our province’s money, but by shifting priorities to achieve sustainable future. results. It’s time to get real. It’s time to put Green Party repre- The need to do so is urgent. The time to act is now. sentatives in the legislature to speak for you about true When other parties say that it’s time for change, they change and responsibility. mean that it’s their turn to be in power and do what they usually do. Frank de Jong, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario

Introduction The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 3 4 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build a sustainable economy We can build a sustainable economy

Green economics is about people, planet and prosperity. The Green Party of Ontario’s economic objectives are about enriching our society, economy and ecology.

The three old parties suggest it is justice and preserving the health of acceptable to trade off environmental communities. This is the only logical and social well being for a prosperous way to measure development. economy. They want you to believe there is no other option. The GPO Tax Shifting: Pay for what you rejects this myth. Time after time, burn, not for what you earn retooling for social and environ- The Green Party of Ontario’s mental responsibility has reaped economic plan proposes to shift the economic rewards. In the emerging income tax burden gradually from green economy, we will discover labour, business activities and farm- that addressing critical issues such as ing to resource use related to water, climate change will create many new energy and aggregates. We will do so opportunities. gradually without impeding economic development or employment. The GPO has a practical economic plan to create a prosperous and The Green tax plan rewards busi- sustainable economy by encouraging nesses and individuals for making innovation, effi ciency and competitiveness. Government good environmental decisions and discourages harmful policies currently encourage ineffi cient and wasteful eco- decisions by making people pay for what they use. By nomic activity. This hinders prosperity and is bad for the imposing taxes early in the production process, the GPO planet. Greens believe that the best strategy for a vibrant will encourage innovation, effi ciency and alternatives. economy is to encourage green production, create green Taxes on resources infl uence the sourcing of raw materi- jobs and open opportunities for sustainable practices. als, the energy used to extract them, the manufacturing and distribution chain, and the amount of energy used by Ecological Fiscal Reform the fi nal product. This will allow green and responsible The cornerstone of the Green Party of Ontario’s companies to profi t over irresponsible companies. economic plan is a balance of market-based solutions, By the end of the next four-year term, the GPO’s tax plan regulations, environmental taxes and a tax-shift away will have shifted approximately $7.9 billion dollars from from personal and business income onto environmentally productive activity onto environmentally detrimental harmful goods, services and activities. activities and resource use. Our four-year green tax shift Ecological fi scal reform addresses lifecycle costs of plan is a bold and important fi rst step in the fi ght against production, distribution and disposal. Independent from climate change and protecting our environment, while special interests, GPO policies protect the planet while supporting a vibrant economy. developing meaningful employment, ensuring social

We can build a sustainable economy The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 5 ■ Increase the annual aggregate (sand and gravel) To achieve these goals, the Green Party licence and wayside permit tonnage rate from of Ontario will: $0.115 to $1 per tonne in 2008, with a $1 per tonne per year increase for three years ($4 per tonne by ■ Reduce personal taxes by $3.5 billion over the 2011), capped until 2015 then indexed to infl ation, next four years by phasing out the Ontario and increase the royalty fees (for aggregate extraction Health Premium Tax in a fi scally responsible man- on Crown land) from $0.50 to $1 per tonne. Under ner through a revenue-neutral green tax shift. the GPO plan, fees paid to municipalities and other The phase out of the $2.6 billion Ontario Health programs will remain unchanged. The estimated Premium Tax, which is a tax on jobs, will be achieved year one revenue increase is $154 million. The total by raising exemption levels. In four years, everyone four-year revenue is estimated at $1.66 billion, which with income under $100,000 will be exempt. The tax can be used to reduce taxes on jobs and profi ts and will be fully phased out as revenue from carbon and encourage conservation and recycling of aggregates. resource taxes increase. ■ Implement an immediate tax on permits for ■ Reduce personal income taxes by $2.3 billion water taking of $100 per million litres, with an an- over four years by gradually raising the personal nual increase of $100 per million litres over four years tax exemption to $11,000. Raising the personal tax ($400 per million litres by 2011). This tax will value exemption will benefi t all wage earners, particularly and encourage conservation of one of Ontario’s most low-income earners, and will be increased on a rev- precious resources, while generating approximately enue-neutral basis with the establishment of carbon and $1.8 billion over four years to be used to reduce taxes resource taxes. When fully phased in, this tax reduction on jobs, profi ts and to encourage the diversifi cation will save Ontarians about $1 billion per year. of Ontario’s economy. Usage for agriculture will be ■ Reduce corporate income taxes by $1 billion over exempted. four years through a revenue-neutral green tax ■ Establish a sustainable business development shift. By shifting taxes from profi ts onto resource use, program for northern and rural communities by the green tax shift will reward successful companies investing $1 billion over four years to encourage that produce clean, green products and services. green business investment and job creation. As the ■ Apply an immediate 2% carbon tax on oil, natural tax system shifts towards one that supports a green gas and coal imported or extracted for use in the economy, northern and rural areas will likely face province, to be increased 2% annually every year disproportionate challenges that can be turned into for the next three years to 8% total tax in four years. opportunities to benefi t all Ontarians. These taxes will generate approximately $483 million in the fi rst year based on current use. By year four, it is estimated that these taxes will generate a total of $4.5 billion, which can be used to reduce taxes on jobs and profi ts.

6 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build a sustainable economy ■ Place a moratorium on any increases in the To achieve these goals, the Green Party assessed market value of all residential proper- of Ontario will: ties and introduce a revenue neutral Location Value Tax to replace the existing property tax system. Under the GPO’s LVT plan, municipalities Shift the focus to sustainability will capture the increased value of land that results ■ Establish a Product Stewardship Program that from infrastructure and development fi nanced by the places responsibility for the entire life cycle of surrounding community. LVT will separate property products with the manufacturer or importer. assessment into the value of the building and the value Producers, not taxpayers, should be responsible for all of the land. The municipality will tax the land at a costs associated with manufacturing, distribution and higher rate than the buildings, which will increase disposal. This program will create jobs in businesses taxes on underused and vacant land. LVT will that incorporate repair and recycling of products at encourage intensifi cation, deter sprawl and protect the design stage. precious farmland. Rate differentials for zoning, ■ Create the conditions for a carbon market by es- such as for agriculture land, will remain within the tablishing a cap and trade system for large fi nal LVT system. emitters. As part of this plan, the GPO will establish Green Jobs for a Sustainable Economy an Ontario Carbon Bank to encourage the purchase of local carbon offsets that will promote sustainable Ontario needs to do more to foster 21st-century jobs— business development and green jobs in Ontario. green jobs in sustainable industries such as the manufacturing of fuel-effi cient vehicles, wind turbines, public Create incentives and protection transit, sustainable agriculture and forestry, eco-tourism, ■ Ensure that all government purchases and con- energy-effi cient materials and construction. tracts with outside agencies require sustainable The opportunities are unlimited. practices, local procurement, full-cost accounting The Green Tax Shift plan is a good fi rst step in creating and minimal environmental impact. Government the conditions for a prosperous and sustainable economy should take the lead in buying locally produced green that produces green jobs. By shifting taxes from employ- products, which will lead to more jobs in Ontario. ment to the resource use, Ontario will receive a double ■ Introduce legislation and policies that reduce dividend: improved environmental performance and overtime. Excessive overtime is bad for the economy more jobs. because it reduces the productivity and competitive- The GPO’s Green Jobs Plan will increase employment, ness of Ontario’s work force, increases unemployment competitiveness and innovation, while establishing and ultimately increases health costs. worker protection. By adjusting market signals to refl ect ■ Introduce legislation to establish six new provin- environmental costs, the GPO’s plan will create markets cial statutory holidays. These will include the fi rst for new, innovative green businesses, technologies and Monday in March to celebrate the birth of Ontario, products. Greens realize that small businesses, coops and Earth Day in April, the Friday preceding the fi rst non-profi t social enterprises are important engines of a Monday in August, Remembrance Day in November, vibrant green economy. The threats of climate change, and polling days for municipal and provincial elec- pollution and energy shortages can create opportunities tions. Labour productivity is higher in countries that for green jobs and healthy communities. provide workers with additional holidays.

We can build a sustainable economy The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 7 ■ Establish a review panel to examine existing Northern Development government regulations to assess their effect The Green Party understands that Northern Ontario on small farms and businesses with the goal faces a unique set of challenges because of the mounting of creating equal opportunities for small busi- pressures of international competition on the supply-side nesses. The era of one-size-fi ts-all regulations, which of natural resource economics, particularly in the forest are usually oriented to large businesses, must end so sector. The Green Party acknowledges that the resource that small businesses can thrive in a prosperous green sector will remain an important factor in the Northern economy. economy. However the North must diversify its economy ■ Invest $11.5 million over four years to alleviate to retain its workforce and standard of living. It could labour shortages, especially in the skilled do so through an aggressive pursuit of secondary and trades by: tertiary manufacturing opportunities to create “value added” products, and by capitalizing on the tourism ● Improving access to apprenticeship programs opportunities that lie in its inherent natural beauty. ● Easing immigration for qualifi ed immigrants The Green Party also understands that climate change ● Providing assistance for the labour market will impact Northern communities more severely than integration those in other regions, and that Ontario must act now to ensure the people living in this region are provided ■ Introduce legislation to prohibit unpaid overtime. with additional assistance to adapt to this environmental ■ Create a $10 million program over four years to reality. provide zero interest loans for worker’s coops and other democratic forms of workplace organi- To achieve these goals, the Green Party zation. of Ontario will: ■ Introduce legislation giving government inspectors more powers to enforce labour laws. ■ Invest $90 million in health and well-being, ■ Introduce legislation to strengthen protections including $20 million to get healthier fresh food into for whistle blowers. remote communities and to promote local market gar- dening; $35 million to locate more health care and social services workers in remote communities ; $20 million for The Green Party understands further development of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s outreach programming; and $15 million to that climate change will bring the Northern Health Travel Grant benefi ts into line with those in the rest of the province. impact Northern communities ■ Inject $180 million into economic development more severely than those in initiatives, including $95 million for innovation centres and as seed money and incentives to encourage other regions. the development of secondary and tertiary resource processing and manufacturing industries, including non-timber forest resources; $20 million each to support mineral exploration, local food storage and

8 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build a sustainable economy processing facilities, and new forest industry energy ■ Invest $45 million in the general well-being of generating capacity; $20 million for further expansion communities and citizens, including $20 million of high-speed Internet access; and $5 million towards as seed money for urban parks, community beauti- promoting Northern tourism. ﬁ cation and waterfront development enhancement ■ Allocate $55 million to environmental issues, projects; $10 million for vehicle-access recreation; $5 million for remote recreation opportunities; and including $25 million for development of North- $10 million for cultural activities and programming. ern-located renewable energy technologies; and $10 million each for researching the effects of cli- ■ Inject $25 million towards improving regional mate change on forest ecosystems, subsidies for the transportation linkages, including $15 million for higher costs (distance factors, smaller communities) passenger rail and $10 million assistance for commu- of a comprehensive Northern recycling program, nity airport programs. and the enhancement of a Northern landscapes ■ Apply $50 million to the higher per capita costs protected-areas program. of Northern infrastructure work to offset the ■ Invest $45 million in education, including increased expense of dealing with bedrock, frost and $20 million for centres of excellence associated with smaller scale and remote projects. Northern universities and colleges; $15 million for ■ Invest $5 million to fund periodic travel of the continuing education outreach; and $5 million each District Courts to outlying communities. for local entrepreneurial training, for programs that promote community youth involvement and region- ally appropriate outdoor education programs such as canoeing, winter camping, etc., and to compensate for the higher Northern cost/student of elementary and high school recreation programs.

We can build a sustainable economy The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 9 10 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can grow more responsibly We can grow more responsibly

Clean, reliable green energy is critical to Ontario’s economy and quality of life. Ontario is blessed with a wealth of renewable energy, yet renewables are a very small portion of our total energy supply.

Energy Conservation: A Fiscally Respon- In the next 50 years, we need to sible Approach to Energy reduce and eventually eliminate our The primary focus of the GPO’s dependence on fossil and nuclear energy plan is to reduce demand. fuels to reduce our emissions of Ontarians are ready to embrace rigor- greenhouse gases and to prepare ous conservation efforts. However, safely for declining supplies of all current and previous governments oil and gas. Moving to renewable have failed to provide energy consum- energy sources will save us from the ers with the information to reduce instability of price fl uctuations and their consumption and with programs the unreliable availability of fuel. to implement affordable options. The Renewable sources by defi nition use Green Party of Ontario will imple- local energy such as wind and sun, ment effective consumer programs to which are not dependent on political reduce energy consumption. or market forces. This will lead to a Reducing both peak demand and more reliable and affordable energy overall total consumption has a supply. greater effect than reducing consumption only. Since the The Green Party of Ontario has a comprehensive plan cost of generating and distributing electricity in Ontario to address our energy needs for electricity, heating, is directly related to peak consumption, the GPO’s con- transportation and industrial uses, while putting health, servation plan emphasizes reduction of peak consump- climate change and sustainability fi rst. The GPO will tion, particularly air conditioning on hot summer days. achieve this balance by addressing issues of supply and The GPO’s target for 2020 is to reduce our peak by 50% demand. per capita or lower it to 60% of projected consumption. In the long term, we aim to reduce overall consumption to 25% of current demand. Our medium-range target is 75% of current consumption by 2020. This represents a daily household consumption of 18 kWh per day compared to the current value of 30 kWh per day, taking projected growth into account. The effective reduction target will be 60% of per capita consumption.

We can grow more responsibly The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 11 ■ Create a 10-year $500 million grant program for To achieve these goals, the Green Party municipal building projects that utilize green of Ontario will: building technologies and LEED certifi cation. As with homeowners, the GPO will partner with munici- ■ Invest $16 billion over 15 years through loan pal governments to support conservation efforts. guarantees, grants and tax credits for conserva- ■ Mandate the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) to tion and demand-management programs. The look at conservation and effi ciency as a primary funding for this program will come from savings element of the Ontario energy mix. realized through the elimination of funding for new nuclear reactors and associated transmission capacity. ■ Implement legislation requiring all new construction by 2010 to have solar water heating and ■ Allow electricity rates to increase over the next energy-effi cient home orientation three years until they reach their true, unsubsi- for maximum dized cost and ban exports of non-emergency solar benefi t. All new swimming pool installations will require solar heating to qualify for a building permit. and non-renewable power. The most effective way to encourage conservation efforts is to charge the real ■ Mandate the integration of conservation and cost for electricity. The GPO will create programs to environmental awareness into the common mitigate these changes for low-income renters and curriculum of both elementary and high schools home owners and northern communities. in the province. ■ Provide up to $150 million per year for a program ■ Implement legislation requiring greenhouse gas for low-income households to convert from (GHG) emission and energy consumption labels electric space heating to natural gas or renew- on all appliances and energy-consuming devices. able energy sources and technologies such as ■ Create a 2% tax on all large appliances that do heat pumps or biomass. This program will provide not provide real-time electrical consumption low-income households with the resources to convert information by 2010. to more effi cient and lower cost heating systems. ■ Advance the dates for Ontario Building Code ■ Double the maximum provincial energy-effi cient (OBC) energy-effi ciency targets for compliance grant for home owners to $10,000 per household. to realize effi ciencies and reduce energy costs As part of this program, the GPO will increase the for homeowners. Programs include EnerGuide 80 provincial grant for geothermal heating and cooling for homes (thermal envelope, building automation conversion to $5,250 and triple the provincial solar systems, lighting, mechanical systems, water), full- hot water heating conversion grant from $500 to height basement insulation, energy-effi cient windows $1,500. Many homeowners want to embrace energy and high-effi ciency furnaces. effi ciency, but may not have the resources to cover the initial costs. This program is a cost-effective way of ■ Encourage conservation by reforming the Ontario reducing energy demand. Building Code as follows: ● Fully prescribe the Building Code Act and its regulations under the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) for the purposes of commenting on proposals and applying for reviews.

12 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can grow more responsibly ● Amend the 2006 Ontario Building Code to require Ontario’s coal-fi red power plants are among Canada’s all new homes to be built to a minimum of R2000 largest emitters of GHGs. Though these big polluters standards and all commercial, industrial and are due to be phased out, the timing is uncertain. The institutional buildings, including apartment build- Green Party of Ontario will set a defi nite date for the ings, to be built to a minimum of LEED-certifi ed closure of coal-fi red plants by working with energy users rating. to reduce consumption. In addition, the Green Party of Ontario does not believe that nuclear power plants, with ● Make retail sales tax (RST) refunds and other their inherent economic and environmental shortfalls, incentives available to those participating in the are a viable alternative. Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP). To assist property owners and contractors in Through a dedicated approach to conservation and full complying with these requirements, the RST support of renewable energy technologies, the Green on retrofi tting buildings meeting the approved Party of Ontario believes the province can meet its standards or higher will be waived for the fi rst fi ve aggressive targets. years and gradually phased back in over the next fi ve years. To achieve these goals, the Green Party ● Further amend the 2006 Ontario Building Code to of Ontario will: simplify the approval process for the installation of environmental technologies. Create a knowledge Legislate bank of best practices for environmental technolo- ■ Immediately adopt legislation banning the gies relating to innovative design and installation construction of new nuclear reactors or the refur- methods, particularly those arising from imple- bishment of existing reactors, excluding regular mentation of the 2006 Ontario Building Code maintenance that would extend their projected life Objective-Based Format. span past 2025. ● Mandate a 30% heating-emission reduction over ■ Phase out all coal-fi red power plants by late 2009 the 2007 Building Code. Canada already has sev- if electricity users are able to reduce consump- eral voluntary building codes that reduce the heat tion by 20% through implementation of conser- emissions by 30%, 40% and even 90% (Energy vation and effi ciency programs. Star, LEED, Net Zero). This will add 1 to 2% to ■ the cost of new buildings. Ban exports of non-emergency and non-renewable power out of the province. Renewables: Clean, green and affordable Innovate The GPO has a comprehensive long-term plan to move ■ Ontario to 100% renewable energy. Create a secretariat in the Ministry of Environ- ment to coordinate information sharing and The transition to 100% renewables will begin with the research on renewable technology. This should implementation of full cost pricing for coal, nuclear facilitate renewable energy development and help and gas energy sources so that energy consumers attach make Ontario a world leader. full value to these resources. This will enable energy markets to function properly. It will lead to conservation and effi ciencies, the natural development of renewable alternatives and proper demand management to prepare for peak oil/gas and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

We can grow more responsibly The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 13 ■ Create a long-term supply management plan Facilitate to provide regulatory stability in the renewable ■ Tie renewable-energy standard offer program energy sector. This will encourage more private (SOP) payment rates to the Ontario Consumer investment in renewable energy projects. Price Index and create a sliding scale for wind ■ Provide $200 million over 10 years for convert- power based on the wind availability at the ing government building heating systems to build site. In addition, raise the SOP payment rate combined heat and power systems, which are for photovoltaic systems to $0.50 per kWh from more effi cient. This will establish electric power $0.42, and to $0.24 from $0.11 for all other technolo- generation closer to where it is being used in urban gies for the fi rst 10 years to encourage investment in centres. renewable energy projects. ■ ■ Work with municipalities to create renewable Remove the 10 MW cap on standard offer energy zones where wind projects will be program projects. pre-approved by the provincial government for ■ Facilitate the ability of small renewable energy environmental impact assessments. This proposal generators to sell to the grid, removing barri- will lower the costs of renewable energy projects and ers and creating more fl exibility to ensure fail-safe expedite the development of renewable capacity, while operation while preserving stability. This program will addressing environmental impact concerns. encourage more citizens to become energy producers. ■ Create a peak-energy trading system for indus- ■ Direct Hydro One to establish grid connection trial users. This system will use market mechanisms charges at a rate proportional to rated power pro- to encourage business to use less power during peak duction. Ontario needs a more decentralized energy times and reward those businesses that do. supply. Small-scale producers should not pay the same connectivity charges as large producers. ■ Negotiate with the federal government to allow a capital cost allowance of 100% in the fi rst year for photovoltaic systems mounted on commercial structures. The GPO believes the tax system should encourage and reward business for doing the right thing.

14 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can grow more responsibly Environmental Health To achieve these goals, the Green Party We all depend on the health of our natural environment of Ontario will: to sustain life. The Green Party believes it is unacceptable that air pollution kills 1,900 Ontarians a year or that asthma rates are 20 times higher today than they were ■ Implement a Sustainable Water and Sewage 20 years ago or that unsafe water causes 90 deaths every Systems Act by 2010: year in Canada. ● Ensure full operational and lifecycle cost-recovery The Green Party of Ontario believes that all living for water and sewer services via water rates things, especially our children, have the right to live in a ● Eliminate polluted runoff to waterways by esta- healthy environment with clean air, land and water. blishing design and construction standards that require no net loss of permeability for residential Water and commercial development Every person in Ontario has the right to drink and enjoy ● clean water. Currently, this right is threatened by pollu- Create an incentive for municipalities to purchase tion and commercial exploitation. We must take control and distribute residential rainwater-harvesting of the way our water is managed to ensure it remains systems such as rain barrels to reduce urban runoff clean and freely available for future generations. in established communities ■ Implement a total volume cap on water-taking permits. This cap will limit water taking to an environmentally sustainable level.

We can grow more responsibly The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 15 ■ Tax all water taking at an initial rate of $100 per ■ Work toward agreements with Quebec and the million litres (ML) to encourage conservation. U.S. Great Lake states on standards for ballast The highest water-taking fee previously proposed in water (ship) discharge and biological pollution. Ontario was a mere $3.71/ML, which will have little Our goal is to reach agreements that prevent the impact on water consumption. By contrast, the United release of non-native aquatic species from vessels into Kingdom charges approximately $250/ML. Usage for the Great Lakes. The GPO will also work to strength- agriculture will be exempted. en programs to clean up and protect the Great Lakes by implementing the Great Lakes Charter Annex and ■ Ban the diversion of water from the Great Lakes working to strengthen the Great Lakes Water Quality Basin in bottles under 20 L. Bottles under 20 L Agreement. are exempted from the current ban. Because of this loophole, large quantities of water are being diverted ■ Add 50 new water inspectors to the Ministry of from the Basin and exported outside of Ontario. Environment’s Compliance Branch and reinstate government testing of municipal water. There are ■ Implement a Water Conservation Plan in areas currently 101 inspectors, and the government relies where usage may have an environmental impact on private labs for testing. with measurable targets for industry and municipalities. Incentives and funding will be provided to Pollution and Air Quality those municipalities and businesses that demonstrate a The Green Party’s economic, energy and transportation strong commitment to the Water Conservation Plan. plans will reduce pollution and improve air quality with As part of this plan, all water-taking permit-holders a goal of eliminating smog-alert days. However, with must reduce takings when any nearby community is rising rates of cancer and other illnesses linked to these under a water ban or reduction. and other environmental factors, more needs to be done. ■ Revise the Clean Water Act to allow for splitting Ontario needs a plan to reduce and prevent exposure to of fi nes against polluters with citizens who harmful substances that cause illness and cost our health identify and supply reliable evidence to the system billions of dollars. Ministry of the Environment (MOE) for successful prosecution, as allowed under the Federal Fisher- To achieve these goals, the Green Party ies Act. of Ontario will: ■ Amend the Clean Water Act to ensure that Source Protection Committees are public, local ■ Introduce legislation to establish a Pollution and and democratic. Recent government proposals have Cancer Prevention Act. This act would require any suggested that industrial and commercial stakeholders company using substances on the federal National should make up one-third of these committees, which Pollutant Release Inventory to have a pollution are responsible for watershed planning. Local com- prevention plan in place to reduce and/or eliminate munities, not industry, should determine water-use the use of toxic chemicals. The act would also require planning. the labelling of products containing carcinogens, ■ Implement Ontario-wide standards for sewage mutagens or reproductive toxins. treatment. Currently, the quality of sewage treatment ■ Adopt California-style mandatory emission varies signifi cantly by region. The GPO will provide standards for new cars, light trucks and SUVs by funding to municipalities to help with necessary 2012. These standards would be tied to vehicle size upgrades to meet the new standards. rather then weight to provide an incentive to lower fl eet weight.

16 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can grow more responsibly ■ Introduce legislation to phase in a province-wide To achieve these goals, the Green Party ban on the cosmetic (non-food related) applica- of Ontario will: tion of synthetic pesticides. This will signifi cantly reduce the level of toxins contaminating our soils and ■ Invest $300 million over four years in infrastruc- watersheds. ture programs that foster local marketing and ■ Increase fi nes to pay for increased enforcement distribution systems that promote local food and of existing environmental legislation. Higher fi nes provide farmers with a fair share of the consumer and better enforcement of environmental regulations food dollar. The GPO’s rural infrastructure program will deter and punish violators. will provide support for the development of producer coops, community access post-harvest handling and Agriculture storage facilities, farm-based business development Ontario’s farmers are important stewards of our working support for enterprises that supply local markets, rural landscape. The viability of agriculture maintains support for small-scale and farm-based processing, the our food security, enriches our environment and leads promotion of farmer’s markets and other projects that to a healthy rural economy. Yet, all of these benefi ts are assist farmers in obtaining higher returns for their threatened, as farmers face an unprecedented income products. crisis. ■ Invest $100 million over four years to expand the The Green Party of Ontario is committed to working Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program to with the agriculture sector to restore the market power compensate farmers for the public benefi ts of the of farmers so that they can earn a viable income from the ecological goods and services that they provide. business of farming. The GPO is committed to using a The ALUS program provides an incentive for farm- market- and incentive-based approach, rather than regu- ers to engage in land-use practices that benefi t the lations, to address environmental issues in agriculture. environment by promoting biodiversity, habitat and The GPO will maintain funding for existing programs wildlife preservation, carbon sequestration and clean in the short term and begin to reform programs so that water. farmers can take advantage of market trends to local and ■ Invest $10 million over four years on an Organic sustainable food consumption. Farming Transition Plan to assist farmers with The objectives of the GPO’s agriculture policy are to the transition to organic production methods. restore the fi nancial viability of the family farm, support The organic sector generally offers farmers better higher farmgate prices, assure a reliable supply of local pricing and is growing at a rapid and sustained pace. sustainably produced food, preserve ecological diversity, This program will assist Ontario farmers to access this and stabilize the social and economic life of rural com- high-value market. munities. ■ Establish food procurement rules for provincial food service venues that support the purchasing of local and sustainably grown and processed food products, and create a four-year $40 million renovation fund to assist food service venues to use more fresh products. It makes sense from the environmental, public health and economic viewpoint to buy local sustainable food. The province needs to set the example by buying locally in government food venues.

We can grow more responsibly The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 17 ■ Create a four year $50 million program to assist Forests farmers with succession planning and to support Nearly 80% of Ontario is covered by boreal forest – one farm apprenticeship programs. The average age of of the largest wild ecosystems left on the planet. The farmers continues to rise. The Green Party is com- boreal forest is home to countless wild creatures, is one mitted to helping farmers work with family members of the largest reservoirs of fresh water in the world and or others to ensure that agricultural lands are trans- has the ability to prevent climate change by storing ferred to the next generation intact. carbon in its soils, trees and wetlands. The boreal forest ■ Reform agricultural research funding and accounts for 83% of Ontario’s natural carbon storage. priorities by redirecting existing funding from Each hectare lost reduces this capacity by 177 tonnes of

technology development such as genetically carbon dioxide (CO2). modiﬁ ed organisms and bulk commodity exports With proper forest management and planning, Ontario to support for cost and waste minimization and has an opportunity that no longer exists in most of the net income maximization for farmers. The GPO world; we can protect a vast wilderness, while capturing a will work with OMAFRA staff to redirect resources to growing, higher-value green market for sustainable forest support farmers to reduce input costs, while exploring products. income opportunities from “waste” products. Redi- rected production support will assist farmers to access To achieve these goals, the Green Party premium markets and new income streams such as of Ontario will: power generation.

■ Review regulations affecting agriculture to ■ Establish large protected areas in the southern create a level playing ﬁ eld for family farms and half of Ontario’s boreal region. We have a respon- small-scale processors. All too often government sibility to provide for all the habitat requirements of regulations are written for large operations. This Ontario’s species, which for some will mean setting places unnecessary burdens on smaller producers, aside very large tracts of land. particularly farms with value-added enterprises. The ■ Implement a conservation-focused land-use plan GPO is committed to working with the food and for the entire boreal forest before any additional agricultural sector, as well as other levels of govern- permits for resource extraction are granted. A ment, to develop regulations, by-laws and zoning proper conservation plan, developed in cooperation laws appropriate for smaller operations, farm-based with First Nations, must be in place before new businesses and alternative products such as raw milk economic interests in the boreal forest are addressed. cheeses.

18 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can grow more responsibly ■ Ensure that all protected lands, including Living ■ Introduce legislation that requires only native Legacy sites, remain closed to logging. species to be used for reforestation. Imported and genetically modifi ed species will be banned ■ Engage in stakeholder consultations for a plan to as reforestation species. move to certifi cation-based sustainable forestry by the end of 2009 and 100% Forest Stewardship ■ Require all government facilities to purchase Council-certifi ed forestry by 2012. Better forest paper products that are eco-certifi ed according management is sound environmental and economic to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) criteria. The policy to ensure the long-term sustainability and FSC promotes environmentally appropriate, socially viability of the forestry sector. benefi cial and economically viable management of the world’s forests. ■ Require the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to consult with affected communities when issu- ■ Place a permanent ban on logging within Algon- ing cutting licences.Establish a MNR stakeholder quin Park. Currently, 78% of the Park’s area may be task force to study the establishment of a program logged and is not protected. The GPO will extend whereby licence fees will compensate communities protection to the entire park. for the value provided by an intact forest – including its ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, support wildlife, store water and conserve soil. ■ Ban the use of synthetic herbicides in forestry, except when required to control non-native invasive species for which no other controls exist.

We can grow more responsibly The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 19 20 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build safe and sustainable cities We can build safe and sustainable cities

Green Space, Land Use and Urban Planning Ontario is a large, cold province with a strip of warmer, arable land in the south. Understandably, this is where most people live.

Unfortunately, irresponsible development is devouring To achieve these goals, the Green Party rural lands and forests at an unprecedented rate. Prime of Ontario will: farmland is being transformed into mile after mile of single-family homes. Speculators are purchasing even ■ environmentally sensitive lands, confi dent that urban Make the Ontario Greenbelt permanent and pressures and greed will crumble development restrictions. modify the Greenbelt Act to prevent urban sprawl as follows: Urban sprawl affects both urban and rural Ontario. Building car-commuting suburbs increases pollution, ● Move the boundaries of the four Greater Toronto decreases air quality, endangers source water resources Area (GTA) regions inward to the edge of the and contributes to climate change. Municipalities pay designated urban areas in the regional offi cial considerably more to service low-density communities plans. than high-density ones. ● Allow subdivision of agricultural land for intensive The Green Party asserts that we need communities local food production, provided the land is zoned where you can live where you work, walk to essential for agriculture. services and take effi cient rapid transit for longer trips. ● Permit limited non-agricultural use on agricultural Ontario’s planners must be given the support to create land by farm families whose primary activity is higher-density, walkable communities that incorporate local food production. sustainable design and extensive greenspace. Municipal ● offi cial plans and local vision must be respected by the Establish an accelerated program of agricultural Ontario Municipal Board. The time has come to stop and conservation easements within the Greenbelt, urban sprawl. using funding from development charges and other sources. The Green Party will work with municipalities to build ■ Establish a Land Owners Roundtable with communities that cost less to service, create a heightened stakeholders in the Greenbelt to develop strate- sense of neighbourhood and counter negative develop- gies to address the economic impacts, especially ment effects such as pollution, gridlock and long com- for farmers, of Greenbelt legislation. mutes.

We can build safe and sustainable cities The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 21 ■ Freeze urban boundaries around all municipali- ● Permit municipalities to offset greenfi eld develop- ties and allow new construction only on land ment with development charges to fund acquisition already zoned urban. New greenfi eld development of woodlots and/or conservation easements and/or would only be allowed by an act of the provincial large-scale tree planting programs to preserve tree legislature. cover and/or biomass equivalent to anticipated losses during the planning period ■ Increase the 40% intensifi cation target for new residential development in existing built-up Waste Reduction and Management areas to 60% by 2012. Ontario has a garbage problem and it is time to clean up. ■ Direct provincial infrastructure investments to The most environmentally responsible and fi nancially projects that fi ght urban sprawl. Cancel sprawl- prudent solution is to reduce the amount of waste we promoting projects, such as large highway extensions. produce. All new infrastructure projects will undergo compre- The Green Party has a plan to encourage and reward hensive environmental and sprawl assessments. businesses for making products that are durable, reusable ■ Introduce legislation that by 2009 requires all and repairable with low environmental impact; to charge new developments in Ontario to be designed the full lifecycle costs of products; and to make it easier as walkable communities, with access to public for people to consume less and recycle more. The GPO’s transit and zoning plans that balances popula- waste reduction plan aims to divert 70% of Ontario’s tion and job growth. waste from landfi ll by 2010. Over the long term, our goal ■ Lobby the federal government to cease all is to reduce waste output to the point that it is environ- development of the proposed Pickering Airport; mentally sustainable. purchase expropriated airport lands from the federal government to establish a provincial park To achieve these goals, the Green Party but retain agricultural uses where applicable of Ontario will: through long-term lease agreements tied to continued agricultural usage. ■ Implement deposit-return systems for selected ■ Reform the Development Charges Act to: products by 2010. Deposits will be collected at the time of sale, and will be refunded when the product ● Remove the current 10% reduction on allowable is returned to an approved recycling facility. Targeted development charges for any service products include all plastic containers, metal and card- ● Reinstate the authority of municipalities to calcu- board containers, and products containing hazardous late development charges based on the true cost of chemicals. growth for infrastructure and services, including ■ Introduce legislation requiring all deposit-return roads; culture, parks and recreation; municipal products to be accepted for return at the point offi ces; water, wastewater, waste and recycling; of sale. This makes it convenient for consumers to health care and health promotion; and any other return their old product when replacing it with a new downloaded services one. Furthermore, it puts pressure on retailers to ● Permit municipalities to include a development carry products that are easily recycled. charge for transit and for other services not currently provided by the municipality provided that a 10-year plan for the development of such a service has been prepared ● Permit municipalities to levy development charges based on an improved level of service, provided it implements a 10-year plan for the development of that service

22 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build safe and sustainable cities ■ Implement disposal and impact fees for selected Transportation products that are diffi cult to recycle, expensive to The Green Party of Ontario is committed to cleaner, dispose of and which create health and environ- cheaper, more effi cient and safer forms of transportation. mental hazards. These non-refundable fees will Ontario’s current transportation system is ineffi cient, be collected at the time of sale. Target products will expensive, polluting, dangerous and unsustainable. The include electronic products, appliances and products Green Party envisions a transportation system that does containing hazardous chemicals. not reduce our quality of life. ● Introduce legislation requiring large retail properties to provide waste and recycling Infrastructure and land-use planning are integral to drop-off points for all classes of products sold solving our transportation problems. The province and municipalities need to change the way communities are within their store(s). The property may contract designed. Sustainable communities locate basic amenities with any licensed collector. Properties targeted will within walking, biking and transit-accessible distances. As include malls, outlet stores, department stores and part of this evolution in planning, the GPO is committed any other retail-use properties over a certain size. to investments that improve and expand public transit. This measure will transform community shopping centres into shopping-recycling centres, allowing In the short term, as Ontario redesigns its communities citizens to return old goods as they shop for new and transportation systems, the Green Party is commit- ones. ted to reducing the environmental impacts of existing modes of transportation, particularly cars and trucks. ● Introduce legislation to prohibit improper end uses for tires and hazardous chemicals. This includes incineration, disposal in municipal To achieve these goals, the Green Party landfi lls, dumping, indefi nite storage, conversion of Ontario will: into fuel and export to territories where any of the above end-uses are not also prohibited. Improper Plan for sustainability end-use will be punishable by a fi ne. ■ Divert 75% of all money budgeted for new high- ● Restore the 50% incentive for municipalities way construction until 2012 to public transit such to purchase and distribute backyard compos- as GO Transit, Toronto Transit Commission and ters. Backyard composting is the most effi cient Ottawa’s OCTranspo. This will fund the service method of disposing of organic waste, as there are improvements, expansion and infrastructure re- no collection costs. newal required to create a world-class transportation system, relieve gridlock and eliminate the ● Introduce legislation to make organic need for new highways. recycling programs mandatory wherever To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce gridlock and prepare for the new large quantities of food are consumed. This green economy, Ontario must invest our transporta- includes restaurants, offi ce buildings, schools, large tion dollars wisely, looking forward, not backward. commercial properties such as malls, government buildings, residential apartments and public parks. ■ Introduce legislation that requires each mu- Similarly, organic recycling will be a permit re- nicipality by 2012 to have a sustainable master quirement for events such as concerts and outdoor transportation plan. This plan would contain land- athletic competitions. use planning that encourages walkable communities where citizens can live, work and play nearby; provi- sions for transit service and non-automobile alternatives; plans for peak-hour traffi c volume decreases; and transportation-related greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

We can build safe and sustainable cities The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 23 ■ Require development charges in the Greater ■ Introduce a green sticker licence plate program Golden Horseshoe to fund transportation plans for fuel-effi cient cars and light trucks that will that create a large-scale shift of commuter enable HOV (high occupancy vehicle) express transportation toward transit and away from lane access and free vehicle licensing until 2016. cars, and which ensure no net increase of peak-hour ■ Reduce licence fees for private electric vehicles traffi c volume per lane-kilometre on any arterial road and provide a program of free training for scooter or provincial highway within the planning period. drivers and a guaranteed low-cost insurance ■ Create a Priority Roads Program by 2016 requir- package for low-speed and electric vehicles. ing municipalities to designate roads and parking Smaller, more effi cient vehicles not only use less for small and electric vehicles (including car-share energy but also require fewer resources such as road vehicles) in downtown cores and other suitable space and parking space. To ease congestion in large locations. This program will create safe, higher- urban centres, and to decrease emissions and energy speed conduits for commuters who switch to smaller, consumption, we must lower the barriers to using more effi cient vehicles and reduce confl ict between smaller vehicles. drivers. ■ Introduce legislation permitting pay-as-you-drive Reward responsibility non-commercial insurance that bases fees on distance travelled and fuel use. This class of insurance ■ Provide a fuel-effi ciency incentive of up to $2,000 will refl ect reduced risk of loss and reward vehicle per vehicle in addition to the existing retail sales owners who drive less, yet still need to maintain a tax rebate and the federal government program. personal vehicle. Levy an additional $2,000 fee on low-fuel-effi ciency vehicles.

24 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build safe and sustainable cities Facilitate change Safe Communities ■ Lobby the federal government for more invest- Family violence continues to plague Ontario’s communi- ment in heavy rail for city-to-city links, especially ties. The problem is not going away. Capital projects a high-speed passenger rail link connecting such as crisis shelters are a critical part of a community’s Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Creating an response to family violence, however we lack solutions effi cient rail system for moving people and goods is to the long-term cycle of violence. The Green Party also a federal responsibility, but it shapes many provincial recognizes the disproportionate impact of family violence and municipal government policies. There is only one felt by rural and native communities and addressing this taxpayer and that taxpayer deserves an integrated and tragedy will be one focus of our efforts. forward-looking approach to transportation policy. The Green Party believes that taking a few steps now can ■ Partner with municipalities to increase transit rid- make a big difference in the future. Therefore, we would ership. Greens will support programs such as annual immediately increase core funding to provincial family U-passes for colleges, eco-passes for neighbourhoods violence agencies. and commuter-passes for businesses. Boys and girls who witness violence in the home are ■ Extend the Drive Clean program to include SUVs, vastly more likely to become abusers and victims heavy trucks and diesel-powered trucks through- themselves. The Green Party will ensure that cultur- out the province. ally specifi c counselling for child witnesses of domestic ■ Mandate speed-limit governors for all trucks violence is available in every community in Ontario, licensed in Ontario. beginning with Aboriginal communities. ■ Invest $20 million over fi ve years in a Volts for We will also implement ongoing family violence counsel- Vehicles Program to equip provincial and munici- ling, targeted to abusers and abused of all genders, to pal fl eets with electric vehicles and the required provide people with the tools needed to break the cycle infrastructure for maintenance and operation. of violence. The effi ciency of electric vehicles is much higher than The Green Party will inject core funding into supporting internal combustion engines, particularly in towns and rural and Aboriginal family violence services, including: cities. Government should take the lead in promoting ■ Holistic healing centres, with the capacity to keep electric-vehicle use. women and children safe from immediate harm and to ■ Spend $5 million to create a web-based GPS- promote personal, family and community healing compatible guide to routes, points of interest, ■ Access centres for government services, so women in and road and hazard information for cyclists and isolated communities can fi nd the help they need small vehicle users. With today’s technology and information-sharing ability, small investments will ■ Capacity building among native communities to have a large impact on our ability to make commuting provide services on an ongoing basis by bicycle more friendly and accessible. The Green Party will institute mandatory province-wide responses to violence against women, developed with the expertise of survivors and women’s advocates.

We can build safe and sustainable cities The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 25 26 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build value into health and education We can build value into health and education

Education is not a social cost. It is an investment. Creating equity and opportunity for Ontario and Canada, our schools are struggling to make ends meet.

Education To achieve these goals, the Green Party Without adequate resources, meeting our education of Ontario will: goals is impossible. The current funding formula makes school boards either run a deﬁ cit or cut essential services. ■ End funding for religious education in Ontario. This is unacceptable. It is time for the rhetoric to stop This would save millions of tax dollars that can be and for us to act. reinvested in public education, allowing us to institute The Green Party believes in a single publicly funded nutrition programs, make classes smaller, hire more education system that treats all students fairly and equally counsellors and reinstate outdoor education, school and is relevant within the context of the local community. nurses and other services now lacking in our schools. The UN Human Rights Committee has censured ■ Address problems with the funding formula by Ontario twice (in 1999 and again in 2005) for violat- giving local school boards a say in how funds are ing the equality of its own citizens by funding Roman to be spent. Catholic schools but not schools of other religions. The ■ Introduce a mandatory world religion course in UN advocated accommodating religious diversity within all grades to promote tolerance, understanding a single publicly funded system. The Green Party would and respect for every student in publicly funded follow that advice and move to one school system with schools. English and French streams. ■ Increase environmental education. To meet tomorrow’s challenges, children must become ecologi- cally literate citizens. We must teach children the importance of sustainable living and an appreciation for their connection to their natural environment. ■ End standardized testing. Standardized testing is unhelpful, expensive and wastes time in schools. The tests are expensive to implement and since so much value is placed on test results, teachers are often encouraged to teach to the test, ignoring other student needs and interests.

We can build value into health and education The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 27 ■ Immediately address the $700-per-student ■ Improve apprentice opportunities for skilled funding gap between elementary and secondary trades, agriculture and artisans. students. We will do so by increasing elementary ■ Reinvest interest earned on student loans in school funding, not decreasing secondary school grants to students in fi nancial need and quali- funding. fi ed foreign students. Qualifi ed new and returning ■ Increase physical education and nutrition students in fi nancial need should receive unrestricted programs and make physical education courses or non-repayable bursaries. mandatory in secondary school. At the same time, the GPO would invest in and encourage diverse and Healthy Communities varied physical education programs to ensure that The GPO’s health plan takes a broad approach to well- students have a choice of sports or other activities. ness, with an emphasis on healthy communities, healthy lifestyles and a healthy environment, not just health care. ■ Extend loans to schools to fi nance the construc- Reducing toxins in our environment, addressing the tion of renewable energy installations. social determinants of health and encouraging healthy ■ Introduce legislation to abolish the College of lifestyle choices are important components of the Green Teachers. The College of Teachers is redundant. Party’s health plan. Teachers are hired, monitored and disciplined effec- The Green Party believes the health care system should tively by local boards and the Ministry of Education. be publicly funded, publicly delivered and publicly Unions are already very effective at standing up for accountable. The Canadian single-payer system is afford- the rights of teachers. This leaves the College with no able, effective and provides care for everyone. unique duties. Yet, health care reform is urgently needed if we are going Post-secondary education to have a health care system that is sustainable and viable The cost of tuition has continued to increase despite in the future. The Green Party has a plan that will offer government promises to address the issue. Students more choice, emphasize prevention and be accountable graduate from college and university with unmanageable to the public. debt loads—about $15,000 per year of education. The Green Party believes that high tuition is counter- To achieve these objectives, the productive to developing both a competitive economy Green Party of Ontario will: and a qualifi ed, engaged workforce. ■ Provide Ontarians in the lowest 75th percentile To address this issue, the Green Party of income an additional health care allowance of of Ontario will: $1,000 per person, phased in over fi ve years at $200 per year, for purchase of prescription drugs and/or care from any practitioner mandated by the Regulated ■ Provide $500 million per year by 2011 to cap Health Professionals Act (RHPA) at an eventual cost university tuition at $3000 average per year of $9.75 billion by 2012. These professions include: and college tuition at $700. The Green Party physicians and surgeons, nurses, chiropractors, phys- understands that in the 21st century Ontario needs iotherapists, naturopaths, audiologists, chiropodists, well-educated citizens who are able to achieve their dental hygienists, dental technologists, denturists, full potential. The province will receive a return on dieticians, massage therapists, medical laboratory, this investment through labour productivity gains and midwives, occupational therapists, opticians, optom- a healthier, happier society. etrists, respiratory therapists and dental surgeons. ■ Re-regulate currently unregulated undergraduate university programs.

28 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build value into health and education ■ Immediately increase the budget of the Ministry ■ Legislate full and open disclosure of all P3 of Health Promotion from its current 1% level (public-private partnership) agreements for future to 2% of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term development of health care facilities. We need Care’s budget. Since most illnesses result from life- a health care system that is not driven by ideology, style choices, the GPO believes that health promotion but by what produces the best results effi ciently and is fi scally prudent and will lead to improved wellness. affordably. These funds would be used to place nurses in the ■ Mandate that 50% of hospital board members be school system to promote healthy lifestyles and to health care professionals. The Green Party believes assist in identifying youth at risk of long-term health in a health system that is publicly accountable and problems. empowers health practitioners at the local level and ■ Increase the funding and effectiveness of primary on the front lines to make more decisions by partici- and preventive health care by: pating on the boards of health care institutions. ● Creating a joint commission of stakeholders ■ Provide fully refundable tuition for graduating to explore best practices for implementation family doctors who commit to working a year in of preventive and primary health care by fam- under-serviced areas for every year of free tuition. ily doctors, with an emphasis on improved The GPO will work with doctors to provide fi nancial outcomes. This may include rewarding doctors incentives to practise in under-serviced communities. who successfully assist their patients resolve risk ■ Increase the funding of midwifery training by $10 factors such as obesity, smoking or uncontrolled million over four years. This should allow women high blood pressure. more choice by providing approximately 70 additional ● Increasing support and incentives for multi- midwives to assist 1500 more mothers per year. disciplinary clinics and practices that team doctors with nurses, dieticians, psycholo- gists, counsellors, physiotherapists etc. This is particularly important for taking a holistic approach to mental health, addiction and lifestyle counselling. ■ Create incentives for the establishment of community-based nonprofi t long-term care facilities to displace profi t as the prime motivator in LTC facilities. Encourage development of multi-level facilities to decrease the current cruel practice of separating couples who have different care needs. ■ Expand the mandate of Community Care Access Centres (CCAC) to include monitoring, support and funding of informal caregivers, compensated at minimum wage, providing assisted daily living in the home. This will help seniors to stay in their homes longer and enable family and friends to provide basic, compassionate care for loved ones and double the number of informal homecare hours.

We can build value into health and education The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 29 30 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build equity into our social and political systems We can build equity into our social and political systems

Democratic Renewal The Green Party believes that the democratic system in Ontario needs retooling. On many levels, the current political system does not reﬂ ect the values of the citizens of Ontario.

Recent positive steps include fi xed election dates, forma- ■ Introduce legislation to create a taxpayer-sup- tion of the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform and ported system that funds political parties in the upcoming referendum, but much more remains to proportion to the popular vote they attained be done. in the previous provincial election, and paid to them at the rate of $1.75 per year per vote The Green Party’s plan for democratic renewal recog- obtained. The GPO believes it is time for corporate nizes the equality of all citizens and of their votes, the and union funding of political parties to end. need for ongoing reform to refl ect the our province’s evolving culture and grassroots democracy that places ■ Eliminate the $200 deposit required to run for decision-making power in the hands of the people. elected offi ce. This change would make it more affordable for a broader range of citizens to run for To achieve these objectives, the elected offi ce. Green Party of Ontario will: ■ Establish a statutory holiday on polling days for provincial and municipal elections to encourage ■ Introduce legislation requiring a simple majority voter participation. of voters to win a referendum. The Green Party ■ Ban contributions by corporations and trade will make sure that democracy-denying superma- unions to provincial political parties or to jorities, as required in Ontario’s upcoming electoral individuals seeking election at the municipal or system referendum, never happen again. The GPO regional levels. would implement mixed member proportional representation (MMP) if passed by a 50% majority. ■ Eliminate the carry-over of municipal campaign funds from one election campaign to the next. ■ Lower the voting age from 18 to 16 years and All funds raised must be spent in the election, trans- increase electoral education in our schools. ferred to a registered charity of choice or returned to The Green Party of Ontario recognizes the need to donors. encourage life-long participation in democracy in our disenfranchised youth.

We can build equity into our social and political systems The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 31 Social ■ Increase the legislated minimum wage until a The key to social responsibility is the just distribution of person working 40 hours per week at this wage social, economic and natural resources, both locally and earns more than the Statistics Canada poverty globally. The Green Tax Shift focuses on distributing line, then index the minimum wage to the rate of natural resources more effectively, but we are responsible infl ation. The Green Party supports implementing for ensuring that the costs of this shift are not borne the proposed $10.25 minimum wage by June 2008. unduly by those with a low standard of living. ■ Introduce legislation to set all welfare rates The Green Party of Ontario believes that unlimited across the province at the low-income cut-off consumption of non-renewable resources is impossible. rate set by Statistics Canada for major urban However, everyone has a right to a standard of living that centres, so that recipients can move to rural enables them to participate fully in their community, and areas without penalty. a suffi cient income to enable this. Ontario needs to better ■ Stop the provincial claw-back of the National meet the needs of low-income people. Child Benefi t Supplement.

Income Support ■ Create a multi-stakeholder Ontario Food Policy Council (OFPC) within the Ministry of Health Income support ensures that all Ontarians’ basic needs Promotion to advise the government on policies are met, regardless of their ability to earn a living in to guarantee food security, access to nutritious the conventional economy. It empowers people to take local food and adequate farm incomes. greater responsibility for their lives and enables them to The participate in their community. OFPC will include members from farm organizations, anti-poverty and anti-hunger NGOs, immigrant To achieve these objectives, the organizations, the food processing and distribution Green Party of Ontario will: sector, nutritionists and health care providers.

■ Introduce legislation to index Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments to the rate of infl ation. Since these payments have been frozen for over a decade, every time the cost of living goes up, recipients’ real income goes down. This prevents people from working their way out of poverty. ■ Adjust OW and ODSP shelter allowances to refl ect average local rents as defi ned by CMHC. The GPO would ensure that OW and ODSP shelter allowances are refl ective of the actual rents people pay across Ontario.

32 The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 We can build equity into our social and political systems Equitable access to services Family Time, Leisure and Culture ■ Create a provincial “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy in A healthy society needs leisure time with family, friends all provincially funded community support systems and neighbours. The Green Party believes a healthy, and services, including within public services and productive community needs to promote the arts, the broader public sector, to ensure that refugee and culture, tourism, recreation and sports. immigrant men and women of tenuous legal status can access systems and community services without fear of To achieve these goals, the Green Party of detention or deportation. Ontario will:

Child Care Policy ■ Protect the natural heritage needed to sustain ■ Provide the promised $300 million annually to and enrich Ontario’s eco-tourism industry. provide non-proﬁ t, quality child care across the province. ■ Support community programs, cultural centres, teen drop-in centres and sport activities for ■ Guarantee that all $97 million of federal funding young people. designated for child care in Ontario is spent on providing non-proﬁ t, publicly funded quality child ■ Increase access to theatres, galleries, museums, care spaces. music and community events. ■ Provide $45 million in additional funding per year to increase access to schools for community groups.

Real Issues. Real Answers. Be Real. Vote Green.

We can build equity into our social and political systems The Green Party of Ontario Platform 2007 33 GREEN

[a better idea]