Auditor General’s 2019 Reports on Environment:
Last week, the Auditor General released her report after auditing the provincial government’s Made in Ontario plan. The report indicates that the government’s plan is “.. is overestimating the potential impact of its new environmental plan….and that the government has also miscalculated some estimates and made policy changes that could discourage further emission reductions.”
While not good news overall, in response, the Hon. Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Parks, and Conservation, agreed that more work needs to be done. To that end, the government is seeking policy ideas from outside stakeholders, environmental organizations and citizens.
In previous meetings, HRAI had indicated to Minister Yurek and his staff that the HVACR sector is a very willing partner has ideas and policy solutions to assist in the efforts to reduce carbon emissions. HRAI has again connected to the Minister’s office and will continue to demonstrate and to discuss how we can be an effective partner to help governments reach their carbon reduction goals.
Read the full Auditor General’s report here.
Read the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.
Advisory Panel on Climate Change Appointed:
Also regarding the climate change agenda, on the 1 year anniversary of the province’s Made-In-Ontario Environment Plan, Minister Yurek announced the appointment of an advisory panel.
The purpose of the panel is will provide expert advice on the implementation of the province’s climate change actions and in particular, how Ontarians can prepare for the costs and impacts of climate change. The panel includes Paul Kovacs as the Chair and Lynette Mader as the Vice-Chair.
HRAI, as is noted above, will connect with Minister Yurek’s office as well as the Advisory Panel Chair and Vice Chair to ensure the HVACR sector’s perspectives are recognized and understood. As well, to clearly outline and demonstrate how the HVACR sector can be an important partner in addressing the realities of climate change and taking steps to reduce carbon emissions caused by heating and cooling of indoor environments.
Ontario College of Trades: reminder:
As was noted in the November newsletter, the new Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, the Hon. Monte McNaughton now has responsibility for the Ontario College of Trades among other issues related to the skilled trades sector. Minister McNaughton has paused the consultations on the Ontario College of Trades. HRAI had previously been informed that these consultations with the two new Training and Skills Advisors would be in early 2020. However, these consultations will not begin in the new year and the Minister and his team are reevaluating this file and the process by which the ministry will provide sector oversight. HRAI is seeking clarification regarding the next steps and will provide updates as they are available.
Overall:
HRAI’s members have clearly indicated that they place a high value on the advocacy work HRAI conducts on their behalf. We want to ensure members are aware of our Government Relations activities. We value your input and any information and feedback you would like to contribute. Your feedback and support of HRAI’s advocacy efforts are important as we continue to grow our voice on your behalf.
HRAI’s consistent message to elected officials, policy advisors, and civil servants is to consult with HRAI and its members to enhance their understanding of the HVACR sector. This will better inform provincial policy and legislation.
Taking a proactive, ongoing, consultative approach will ensure we remain aware and informed of the provincial government’s direction on various issues. More importantly, it will work to ensure the various ministers and ministry staff are better educated and informed about the policy needs of our sector.
For more information, contact Dorothy McCabe, Government Relations Specialist at 1-800-267-2231 ext. 223 or e-mail: dmccabe@hrai.ca.