Ontario’s repeal of emissions target looms over landmark climate case

Young activists behind a landmark case allege "Ontario's repeal of its own emissions targets is an 11th hour attempt to escape accountability on its toothless climate plan."

Ontario’s repeal of its own emissions targets is an 11th hour attempt to escape accountability on its toothless climate plan, young activists behind a landmark case alleged on Wednesday as they vowed to continue their years-long legal saga.

Lawyers for the seven young people were set to argue next week that the government’s weakened 2018 emissions target was without scientific basis and so out of step with the cuts required to limit severe climate impacts that it endangered their constitutional rights.

Instead, the Monday hearing has been cancelled, and lawyers will discuss how the province’s recent move to scrap legislation underpinning its emissions targets and climate plans could reshape the case.

Shaelyn Wabegijig said that development has only strengthened her resolve to keep up the fight.

“We deserve a government that faces the truth of the climate crisis, not one that runs from it. We deserve a safe and livable future, and we will continue this fight until we get it,” said the 28-year-old Wabegijig.

Premier Doug Ford’s government voted this week to repeal parts of a law requiring that it set an emissions target and regularly update its climate plan. The proposal came to light earlier this month when it was found buried at the end of the government’s fall economic statement.

In a statement, the premier’s office said the government was taking a “hard look at the unnecessary processes that have held us back” given recent economic uncertainty and U.S. tariffs.

Lawyers for the young people allege the government is gutting its own climate legislation in a bid to avoid scrutiny after suffering recent setbacks in the years-long case.