APPENDIX — Proposal for measures to ensure a responsive provincial emergency plan

Published by: David Suzuki Foundation
Authored by: Yannick Beaudoin

Climate solutions, Cities community and culture, economics, human health and well-being, Indigenous Peoples, policy and regulation, commercial products, renewable energy

This is a copy of the Green Recovery recommendations the David Suzuki Foundation sent the Ontario government in April 2020. Ontario faces an opportunity to redesign its economy following the COVID-19 crisis, and the David Suzuki Foundation provided the province with seven key recommendations for economic reform. These proposals aim to increase the disposable income of Ontarians, promote access to quality public services, support vulnerable local businesses and establish strong starting points for a post-pandemic economic redesign. The goal of all seven interventions is to rebuild an equitable and sustainable Ontario economy.

The recommendations include:

• Establish a guaranteed basic income
• Support local farms and increase purchases of “Made in Ontario” products
• Develop digital infrastructure to improve high-speed internet access
• Support development of a zero-waste, circular and socially responsive economy
• Accelerate transit and zero-emissions transportation projects
• Launch energy-efficient building renovations
• Partner with Indigenous communities on land-use decisions
• Develop innovative financial instruments such as green and social bonds
• Plan sustainable urban infrastructure
• Build more social and community housing
• Boost nature-based job creation, including restoration of natural infrastructure solutions such as green roofs, green parking areas and natural drainage basins