Doug Ford won. What now?

At the very least, Doug Ford believes in climate change. It is even reasonable to extrapolate that he acknowledges that it is a threat. The elementary, obvious nature of this claim seems almost revolutionary for the PCs. Acknowledging the threat that underscores our political climate and future seems like progress. In an environment that has in the past reversed progress, what can we expect with another PC term?

The Tories have emphasised the measures they’re taking to combat climate change most notably in their promises to transition to electric vehicles and honour Ontario’s commitments for the same. Though these are these bold promises, it is reasonable to wonder if they’re being used to justify other harmful policies. Bill 71 allows the government to build more mines more easily and for projects to move ahead even if they were planned for closure. This is being phrased an environmental win, as something that reduces carbon emissions by mining for essential minerals within Ontario. It ignores the huge effects it would have on indigenous communities and the ecosystems the mines would damage in their construction. 

Every promise the PC’s make, seems to come with a hidden cost that undoes part of it. With the huge increase in energy demand, the PC government is increasing energy supply through whatever means necessary. Promises of increased solar and wind power come with surges in natural gas and nuclear energy as well. Ontario’s power grid is moving away from the future we had all imagined, with a decay from 94 to 87% emissions free over the last three years. 

This article need not address the immediate ramifications of removing Toronto’s bike lanes. Nor does it need to mention the effects of building two highways through the greenbelt for them to be immediately obvious. The re-election of Doug Ford is mostly devastating for climate action, but what can we do about it?

Hold him accountable. Protest; create uproar; make your dissatisfaction heard. Speak about the injustices he caused you and blame him for his harmful policies. So too, hold the opposition accountable. Expect them to stand up for your rights and have inventive critique of his policies.  Fight for the issues that matter the most and the people left most vulnerable. Doug Ford winning the election is only a death sentence for progress if we let it be.