Robert Oliphant
Hon. Robert Oliphant
Member of Parliament for Don Valley West
August 2021 Update - Environment, Climate Change and Public Transit
 
 
Dear friends,
 
The past 16 months have been extremely difficult with the pandemic but I hope that everyone who is eligible for a vaccine gets the required two doses. The federal government has secured over 66 million vaccine doses. If you are eligible, please protect your loved ones and the people you work with by getting vaccinated.
 
While dealing with the pandemic, our government has taken landmark action on Climate Change and the Environment. Protection and preservation of the environment has never been so urgent. Our government has taken bold steps to enable people to make real changes in order to protect the environment.
 
We have established and enacted targets for government action as well to ensure progress towards a net-zero emission goal, but also to be accountable to Canadians on meeting those targets.
 
Investing in public transit is also a major part of the move to a net-zero emissions economy. These investments are crucial to securing a cleaner, prosperous future.
Keep healthy and stay safe,
 
Rob
 
 
Metrolinx - Ontario Line and MSF
 
As many people in Don Valley West are aware, Metrolinx has decided that its construction of the Ontario Line will run through Thorncliffe Park with a station at Overlea Boulevard and a Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) in the lands currently occupied by small businesses and organizations at 2 Thorncliffe Park Drive.
 
When I found about Metrolinx’s decision, I expressed my opposition directly to Metrolinx’s CEO about the placement of the MSF.
 
Following its decision, Metrolinx has been conducting what it terms as public consultation. My position remains that Metrolinx is not consulting; it is promoting a decision already made.
 
As a Provincial Agency, Metrolinx is implementing a decision made by the Province with input and engagement with the City of Toronto.
 
Our federal government is funding 40% of 4 Ontario transit projects, including the Ontario Line, up to a total of $10.4 billion. The federal funding is conditional on certain requirements being met. These requirements include inclusive community consultation, hiring targets of at least 10% for Black, racialized and Indigenous communities, and a substantial environmental review and approval process.
 
As your MP, I will monitor these conditions closely to ensure they are not just met, but exceeded.
 
 
Federal Investments in Public Transit
 
Over the past 6 years, our government has invested in over 1300 public transit projects across Canada.
 
Public transit is not only good for the environment, it creates jobs.
 
Especially for underserved areas, public transit helps people get to work, school and is affordable.
 
 
 
Net Zero Emissions Law
 
On June 29, 2021, Bill C-12 received Royal Assent. Titled the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, it confirms Canada’s commitment to set national targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada with the objective of attaining net-zero emissions by 2050. The Act also enshrines the 2030 greenhouse gas emissions targets under the Paris Agreement, which will be 40% to 45% lower than 2005 levels.
 
With the enacting of this statute, our government will formally establish the Net-Zero Advisory Body to provide independent advice to the Minister. Public participation will be sought when setting or amending a climate target or plan.
 
This Act legislates that Indigenous Knowledge has a role in the climate accountability process.
 
 
Net Zero Vehicles

 

On July 5, 2021 our government announced a mandatory target for all new light-duty cars and passenger trucks to be zero-emission by 2035. This new target is 5 years ahead of the previous target of 2040.
 
Not only will this help transition our economy to a cleaner future, it will create good jobs for Canadians.
 
Our government has invested over $376 million in charging and refueling stations. We have approved projects for over 1000 electric vehicle fast-chargers. This investment will create more than 16,500 new electric vehicle chargers, 10 hydrogen stations, and 20 natural gas stations.
 
 
High Frequency Rail
 
Our government is committed to creating cleaner, energy efficient, faster rail travel in the Toronto to Quebec City corridor. In consultation with Indigenous groups and communities, we expect to launch the request for proposal for the procurement process in the fall of 2021. Using electrified technology, we will provide Canadians with shorter travel times, more direct routes and services to communities.
 
 
Two Billion Trees
 
 
Anyone who has enjoyed the many parks and trails in Don Valley West will appreciate the importance of trees and forests in our ecosystem. Forests help to keep our air and water clean. They also store carbon from the atmosphere.
 
Our government’s plan to plant 2 billion trees will help our environment, wildlife who inhabit our forests and will create jobs. We are now in the process of finalizing agreements with organizations so that tree planting can begin. Over 10 years, we will increase forests in Canada by an area twice the size of PEI.
 
 
Canada Greener Homes Grant
 
 
With the Greener Homes Grant, homeowners can receive up to $5000 for energy efficient home upgrades, and up to $600 towards the cost of home evaluations. This program is retroactive to December 1, 2020. Please see: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca
 
This is not only good for the environment, it will create over 110,000 jobs.
 
With proof of ownership and proof that the home is your primary residence, your home may qualify.
 
Eligible dwellings include detached, semi-detached houses, and small multi-unit residential buildings.
 
 
We're here to help you
 
 
Finally, I thank you for your continued goodwill and community spirit through this difficult time. Although we are working from home, my staff and I are making every effort to ensure Don Valley West remains a strong, vibrant community through this pandemic.
 
If you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or call 416-467-7275.
 
All the best,
 
 
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