Ontario Greens propose more independence for top doctor, climate plan

Open this photo in gallery:

Ontario’s Greens say they’d strengthen the independence of the province’s top doctor, boost oversight of long-term care and increase home-care funding if elected to form government in June.

The party is also laying out plans for a “new climate economy” with a goal to halve carbon pollution by 2030 and reach net zero by 2045 – a plan projected to cost $16.8 billion in the first year.

The plan to reduce emissions includes a proposal to phase out the sale of new gas and diesel passenger vehicles, medium-duty trucks and buses by 2030.

The promises are included in a costed platform launched today by the party that’s seeking to grow its footprint in the legislature.

Green Leader Mike Schreiner says the party proposal to turn the position of the Chief Medical Officer Health into an independent watchdog role, similar to an auditor with annual public reporting, came from concerns over possible politicization of the role during the pandemic.

Schreiner is the party’s only incumbent member of the legislature but the Greens are campaigning to grow their caucus this year.

Want to hear more about the Ontario election from our journalists? Subscribe to Vote of Confidence, a twice-weekly newsletter dedicated to the key issues in this campaign, landing in your inbox starting May 17 until election day on June 2.