On January 21, 2013, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment posted a discussion paper regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction in Ontario, eliciting public input in the development of the Ministry’s GHG reduction program. The stated objective of the emergent program is to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the province’s economic goals".

The discussion paper notes that the regulatory environment surrounding GHG emission reduction has evolved as of late, an observation that is highlighted by the fact that the province of Quebec began the initial phase of its cap and trade system in January, 2013 and the federal government recently finalized an emission reduction regulation for coal fired electricity generation. Although the federal coal regulation does not affect Ontario (as coal fired electricity is currently being phased out of Ontario and will be eliminated by the end of 2014) additional federal regulation is underway that may impact Ontario sectors. The Canadian government is currently in consultations with other large industrial emitters, with further draft federal regulations expected later this year.

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