Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner launches his party’s fully-costed platform in Toronto on May 12.Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
A $65-billion climate plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 is at the root of the Ontario Green Party election platform, with a focus on electrifying vehicles and making buildings more energy-efficient.
Leader Mike Schreiner said some may criticize the price tag of the four-year commitment as being “overly ambitious,” but countered that it’s necessary to ensure a sustainable future.
In its platform released Thursday, the Green Party pledges to cut carbon pollution in half by 2030 and reach net-zero 15 years later. This timeline is five years ahead of the platform promises from the Liberals and NDP, which promise to reach net-zero by 2050. While in government, the Progressive Conservatives pledged to hit a 30-per-cent reduction in emissions by 2030.
“It’s not overly ambitious to ensure that our children have a livable future and a stable climate. It’s not overly ambitious to say that we want Ontario to be a global leader in the new climate economy,” said Mr. Shcreiner, the party’s only MPP elected in 2018, during the Green platform release event in Toronto. “That’s what Ontario needs in this moment.”
The climate strategy consists of several initiatives to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, including investments in transitioning to electric vehicles (EV) and retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient. Mr. Schreiner said a Green government would provide cash incentives up to $10,000 for buying a new EV and phase out the sale of new gas and diesel passenger vehicles and buses by 2030.
In order to support the transition to electric, the party pledges to require all new or re-surfaced parking lots to install EV charging stations as well as provide a tax incentive for businesses to install charging infrastructure.
The plan also includes reintroducing a provincial carbon price and increasing the cost by $25 annually until it reaches $300 per tonne in 2032. Revenues from the increased carbon price would be returned to residents as dividends.
Mr. Schreiner said the Greens would implement new fees and taxes to pay for the plan, including a “congestion charge” to travel by vehicle in certain parts of the province during peak hours. Details on locations or hours weren’t provided in the platform, but the party projects annual revenue of $1.6-billion from the fee.
A Green government would also increase the corporate tax by 2 per cent over two years for large companies, introduce a 1-per-cent surcharge on households with an annual income over $200,000 and work with the federal government to implement a tax for individuals with a net wealth over $10-million. The party would also cancel the planned temporary gas-tax reduction set to come into effect in July and bring back licence-plate renewal fees.
Mr. Schreiner defended the increased taxes in his party’s platform as necessary to meet the needs of the province and fund urgent climate priorities.
“This platform meets the moment that we are in, the now or never moment to address the climate crisis,” he said.
The party’s four-year financial outlook doesn’t balance the books, with a projected 2025-26 deficit $1.2-billion higher than that projected in the PC’s budget. But Mr. Schreiner said he sees a path to balance in the following term by 2027-28, which is the same timeframe as the PC Party. The Liberal plan projects a balanced budget a year prior and the NDP have yet to release a fully-costed plan for their platform promises.
The Greens have also committed to doubling rates for the Ontario Disability Support Program, which is the largest increase promised out of all the parties. Both the NDP and Liberals have pledged a 20 per cent increase and the PCs announced a plan to raise rates by 5 per cent. The party promises to make the day of a general election a paid holiday and launch a citizen-led panel to bring forward recommendations on reforming Ontario’s electoral system.
Election day in Ontario is June 2.
Want to hear more about the Ontario election from our journalists? Subscribe to Vote of Confidence, a twice-weekly newsletter dedicated to the key issues in this campaign, landing in your inbox starting May 17 until election day on June 2.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
