The
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has praised the Government of Ontario’s decision to include climate change provisions in its Long-Term Infrastructure Plan (LTIP).
The plan was recently presented by the Minister of Infrastructure, Bob Chiarelli.
“Climate change is already having a real and lasting impact on communities across the province,” commented IBC Ontario vice-president Kim Donaldson.
“Severe weather events, like floods, wildfires and storms are happening with more frequency and with greater intensity. They damage homes, businesses and wreak havoc on critical infrastructure. Canada’s property and casualty insurers congratulate the Government of Ontario for including climate change mitigation, adaptation and lifecycle assessments as part of the province’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan.”
The LTIP looks to improve the planning process associated with capital infrastructure projects in Ontario. On top of mitigation and adaptation, the LTIP will integrate lifecycle assessments as part of the planning, procurement, development and decision-making phases of infrastructure projects.
In the LTIP, provincial officials have highlighted the importance of a climate change risk assessment to better understand the vulnerabilities facing residents, infrastructure, and the region’s economy.
“IBC has been advocating for a ‘whole of society’ approach to address the realities of our changing climate,” explained Donaldson. “The LTIP climate provisions are a great example of how governments can take a lead role in helping to make our communities safer, stronger and more resilient. IBC supports these provisions and remains committed to continuing to work with governments, stakeholders, and industry partners to face the challenges posed by climate change.”
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