Mr. Speaker, in the name of environmental protection, the Ontario Liberal government has moved to phase out what it calls low efficiency wood burning stoves that provide heat for hundreds of thousands of Ontario residents.
This excruciatingly bad environmental policy will eliminate one of the most cost effective heating options for those who choose to heat with wood, many of whom live on modest incomes. This policy, if fully implemented, will hurt families across Ontario, particularly in rural areas.
Wood consumption in Canada accounts for 30% to 35% of renewable energy use, second only to hydro electricity. Governments across Canada should celebrate wood heat, given it is the most carbon neutral energy source available.
I would urge that governments across Canada support those millions of self-sufficient Canadians who choose to heat with wood. However, should the anti-wood burning policy of the Ontario government catch fire with the Government of Canada, they will have to pry my axe and chainsaw from my cold dead hands.