KICLEI Provincial Reports: Ontario Now Available for Download
KICLEI Provincial Reports: Ontario Now Available for Download
The KICLEI Ontario Provincial Report is now available for download on Substack! This marks the first in a series of provincial reports designed to help Canadians understand the real impacts of externally driven climate policies, such as those promoted by ICLEI’s Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program. These reports are intended to empower citizens and municipal councils to make informed decisions about climate action plans and their impact on local priorities and taxpayer resources.
About the Provincial Reports
The KICLEI Provincial Reports analyze the financial, environmental, and administrative consequences of adopting net-zero climate policies within each Canadian province. Our aim is to provide:
In-depth provincial data on emissions, carbon sequestration, and natural carbon sinks.
Clear cost estimates for implementing milestone-based frameworks like the ICLEI PCP program.
Practical recommendations for municipalities to focus on local priorities such as affordable housing, energy security, and economic development.
A pathway for municipalities to withdraw from voluntary programs that impose unnecessary costs and undermine local decision-making.
These reports are part of a broader effort to encourage transparent governance and local accountability, free from the influence of global climate mandates that fail to reflect Canada’s unique ecological and economic context.
Highlights from the Ontario Provincial Report
The Ontario Provincial Report reveals key insights into how climate policies impact municipalities:
Ontario is a Net Carbon Sink: Ontario’s forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands absorb approximately 893.2 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, while the province emits only 205.9 million tonnes. This results in a net-negative carbon balance of -687.3 million tonnes annually, challenging the need for costly net-zero initiatives.
Hidden financial burdens: Participation in programs like ICLEI’s PCP can cost municipalities between $7.2 million and $192 million+, with long-term administrative and financial risks borne entirely by local governments.
Misaligned priorities: Net-zero frameworks divert resources away from urgent local needs, including affordable housing, public safety, and energy affordability.
The Ontario report equips municipal leaders and residents with the tools to reevaluate climate action plans, protect taxpayer dollars, and refocus on priorities that directly benefit their communities.
What’s Next for KICLEI Provincial Reports?
We are committed to releasing reports for every province during the 2025 KICLEI Provincial Tours, where we will engage directly with municipalities and community groups. Alberta’s report will be available next week, followed by others throughout the year.
These reports will provide tailored insights into each province’s carbon profile, local governance responsibilities, and the real costs of voluntary climate programs, empowering municipalities to advocate for sensible, locally driven environmental policies.
Why This Matters
Municipalities across Canada are facing pressure to adopt net-zero policies that fail to consider the natural carbon advantages of provinces like Ontario and Alberta. These programs often impose significant financial costs and administrative burdens while ignoring the priorities of residents.
The KICLEI Provincial Reports provide a clear alternative, advocating for:
Local environmental stewardship instead of top-down mandates.
Fiscal responsibility and accountability in climate policy decisions.
Protection of municipal autonomy and property rights.
Download the Ontario Report Today
The Ontario Provincial Report is now available for free download on Substack. If you’re a councillor, community leader, or resident, this report is an essential resource for understanding the impact of climate policies on your community and how to advocate for practical, locally focused solutions.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
Follow our Substack to stay updated on the release of additional provincial reports and announcements about the 2025 KICLEI Provincial Tours. Together, we can advocate for policies that prioritize local needs, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.
Download the Ontario report now and join the movement for municipal accountability.
Help Us Achieve Our 2025 Goals
The release of the Ontario Provincial Report is just the beginning. To complete all provincial reports and prepare for the 2025 KICLEI Provincial Tours, we need your support.
Our goal is to raise sufficient funds to complete this work without scaling back our efforts. We are asking for 115 contributors to join our 2025 fundraiser at $30/month—and we’re already halfway there!
Your contributions will help us:
Complete and publish reports for all Canadian provinces.
Organize the 2025 KICLEI Provincial Tours, bringing tools for civic advocacy directly to communities.
Advocate for sensible, locally driven environmental policies that prioritize Canadian interests.
If we do not reach our fundraising goal, we may have to scale back our efforts, limiting the impact of this vital work.
Donate Now and join the movement for municipal accountability.