Policy development

Climate and affordability depend on these essential building code updates

3/2022 - Ontario’s building code is only updated every five to seven years, so we can’t afford to miss this opportunity to reduce carbon emissions by building better buildings that are cleaner and more affordable to operate. Read our recommendations to align it with an affordable, net zero future.

Three key climate measures for Toronto’s 2022 budget

2/2022 - Council will vote on the City Budget this Thursday: what do we want to see most? To continue its role as a climate leader, Toronto needs to shift to implementation in top three climate priority areas: Climate Lens Policy, electrification of public bus fleets, and green development standards.

Toronto needs to speed up its electric vehicle infrastructure to meet targets, critics say

8/2021 - CBC - The city's aiming to install 10,000 public charging ports by 2030. A pilot project launched last year has seen the city install 17 on-street charging stations, but far more ambitious policies are needed to convince residents to buy in, said TAF's Ian Klesmer.

Why Canadians need the clean fuel standard

12/2020 - The clean fuel standard establishes a practical and predictable approach for removing 30 million tonnes of carbon every year without affecting daily life.

On the path to recovery: how to “lock in” climate solutions

3/2020 - Achieving carbon neutrality will require leaving no stone unturned, no building un-retrofitted, and no emission reduction opportunity ignored.

Why is Toronto considering eliminating fuel efficiency standards instead of strengthening them?

6/2019 - The City of Toronto is considering eliminating important fuel efficiency standards for the vehicle-for-hire industry.

Electric meters in a row measuring power use.

Ontario Conservation Cuts: Penny wise, Pound Foolish

4/2019 - Last month, the Province announced a massive cut to electricity conservation programs in Ontario. The cuts to conservation will actually increase total electricity system costs, leading to upward pressure on prices over time.

The Clean Fuel Standard Explained

3/2019 - You’ve probably heard about the federal government’s commitments to work with the provinces and territories to take action on climate change. But have you heard about the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS)? The Clean Fuel Standard is expected to have the largest carbon impact of any policy under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

Ontario environment plan needs a better bang for its buck

3/2019 - Let’s focus on a potential opportunity: how Ontario can accelerate private sector investment in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Specifically, the proposed Ontario Carbon Trust (OCT) can succeed if it uses public funds to mobilize private capital and deliver local climate solutions.

Cities can’t lead from behind: TAF reviews Ontario climate plan

12/2018 - Unfortunately, Ontario’s proposed climate plan, Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan, could weaken cities’ potential to contribute to climate protection in three ways.

Lowdown on the New Federal Carbon Pricing System

10/2018 - How will the federal price on pollution impact Ontario? Here's our lowdown on the latest climate policy announcement.

What’s in, what’s out? TAF reviews Ontario’s climate policy cancellations

10/2018 - Ontario is hitting the reset button on climate policy. With the old plan out and some high-profile cancellation announcements, there is some confusion about the current status of policies and their implications and opportunities. Here's our review of the policy landscape and opportunities to provide input.