Climate Change: Simple Steps that Can Improve our World

By Daryle Moffatt

When we look back to 2020 when we were in the early stages of COVID-19, we often saw articles saying that when the COVID-19 restrictions were put in place, we saw a positive impact on the environment but there is still more we can do.

I have seen first-hand how climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can affect taxation, which is where I make my living, through its impact on my clients and others across Canada.  A few years back, the Department of Finance brought forward legislation that allows taxpayers to purchase zero-emission cars and receive a significant tax deduction that is not available to taxpayers who purchase an internal combustible engine (ICE) vehicle.  There have been few changes in tax legislation related to ICE vehicles since 1987 and each year, as part of the courses I instruct, I always refer to this date, to emphasize the number of years since we have seen changes.  From my viewpoint and where Canada is heading in terms of GHG emissions, I see tax legislation continuing to change (for the better) for electric vehicles and ICE vehicles will be left behind.

Late in September 2019 an article in The Globe and Mail titled “Can Mozambique’s farmers teach the world about survival in a changing climate?”  It was a good read and I learned a lot from it.  In October 2020, I read an article in the G&M titled “Climate change threatens Canada’s dams – but who’s keeping track?” See this link to read the article.  It speaks about the more than 14,000 dams across Canada and that not all provinces have legislation or record-keeping to monitor their maintenance or assess the risk they pose.  It seems what is old is always new again because water levels (because of dams) are always a discussion point on Georgian Bay.

The Ford Motor Company’s Oakville plant, with the assistance of both the federal and provincial governments, will be making electric cars. See this link to read this good news story.  From my own perspective, my wife and I purchased a Hybrid Volvo vehicle in April 2019 and realized fewer gasoline costs with only a marginal increase in our electricity costs while driving similar kilometres.  We have seen larger savings (more during COVID-19) as we are using the electric side of the vehicle more when we drive.

Organizations closer to home are doing their part and just last week, the Township of Seguin received its electric Olympia to clear the Humphrey Arena ice. See this link.  Also, the Town of Parry Sound built a solar farm to allow it to be self-sufficient using green energy.

Until September 6, 2022, I was Co-Chair of the Integrated Community Energy & Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership, which the Township of Carling is a partner in and if you have not checked out the carbon calculator, see this link.

Things to think about in your world that can make a difference with your GHG emissions/climate change:

  1. Reduce your waste going to landfill. If you cannot have an outside compost area, think about purchasing a FoodCycler through the Georgian Bay Association, see this link.
  2. If you are driving an ICE vehicle, think about car-pooling, try driving less by gathering your supplies, etc. in one trip.
  3. Consider purchasing an electric watercraft; there are lots coming on the market, including Taiga’s Orca, see this link.

Nonetheless, it all starts with you/your family/friends and if you have not heard about ICECAP, here is some information to bring you up to speed:

What is ICECAP and why should I participate?

ICECAP project is a partnership of area municipalities and First Nations to understand their GHG emissions, set targets to reduce them, and implement plans for action – thereby saving themselves and their residents money.

Working with the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, the ICECAP partnership is a unique regional model that provides support that area councils and communities need to progress toward a new energy future that produces fewer GHG emissions.

But we need your help! Municipalities have done their part and benchmarked their own GHG emissions. Now a new carbon calculator has been developed as an educational tool, and as a method for collecting data for the ICECAP partnership for our area and communities as a whole.

Data will be used in the following ways:

Please look for more information on this great initiative so you can get involved as we deal with climate change in the region, Ontario, Canada and across the world but in the meantime, visit ICECAP online at this link and the carbon calculator at this link to learn more and participate!