The Ontario budget's failure to directly address climate change represents a "gross abdication of responsibility" by the government, some critics argue, saying the province rapidly needs to do more to adapt to a changing climate.
"This is a gross, abdication of responsibility because the climate crisis continues to worsen," said Keith Brooks, a programs director with Environmental Defence, an environmental advocacy organization.The 200-page budget makes only two references to climate change, both in sections about the sustainable bond program, which the government uses to raise money to finance projects considered environmentally friendly.
In a statement, the environment minister's press secretary mentioned a number of the budget's initiatives, including green bonds to finance "extreme-weather resistant infrastructure" and clean steel production. The Ontario budget earmarks $81 million less for forest firefighting this year than it spent last year, a drop of 38 per cent.But Catherwood said it would be "completely inaccurate" to suggest the forecasted spending was a budget cut, saying the government would "spare no expense in ensuring the safety of people, property, and communities."
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner says the budgeted money, however, shows "that we have a Ford government that's woefully unprepared for the climate crisis." The government's fiscal watchdog, and its own climate assessment report, have warned that climate change threatens to upend everything from infrastructure to food security.