Chambers of commerce across Ontario are calling on the provincial government to defer its cap and trade program that's due to come into effect January 1.
Sarnia-Lambton is one of 20 chambers lobbying the Wynne liberals on the issue.
President Shirley de Silva says there's been a lack of sector-by-sector economic impact analyses, and that, coupled with rising electricity prices, will have a negative impact.
"One of the unintended consequences of implementing cap and trade this early is industry and businesses could leave the province for other jurisdictions that don't have a carbon price or electricity grid as clean as Ontario's," she says. "This could have a negative impact not only jobs, but on the economy and the environment. Businesses are struggling to pay their electricity bills. It's their number one frustration we hear about. We also hear that they need more time to understand and prepare for such a complicated new economic system as cap and trade."
A new survey by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce found 33% of small businesses may delay or cancel investment because of increasing hydro costs.
de Silva says pressure from organizations like the chamber can lead to change, citing the cancellation of the Ontario retirement pension plan.