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Local resident asks New Tecumseth council to reject climate change programs

May 29, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

A long-time Alliston resident appeared before New Tecumseth Town Council during its regular meeting on Monday, May 26, to request that the Town avoid involvement in climate action programs designed to lower its carbon footprint.

Ken Stouffer, who has lived in the town for 45 years, said that programs cost municipalities money, but do not provide the benefits.

“These (programs) are marketed as progressive climate initiatives, but they often impose significant financial burdens on municipalities without yielding proportional benefits,” Mr. Stouffer stated. “I say this as a taxpayer who is alarmed by out of control spending at every level of government.”

Mr. Stouffer said that money is wasted when trying to reduce the carbon footprint because Ontario, due to its vast forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands naturally absorbs more carbon dioxide (CO₂) than it emits.

Mr. Stouffer went on to say that there is no shared liability when it comes to programs and municipalities, as municipalities face financial and legal liability while funding partners explicitly disclaim responsibility.

Getting out of these programs, Mr. Stouffer said, will give taxpayers better value for their dollars.

Mr. Stouffer received an agreeable round of applause from those attending the council meeting when he claimed that scientific data shows there is no climate crisis and CO₂ is not even close to being a problem.

“The whole climate crisis perspective hinges on CO₂,” Mr. Stouffer said. “If the premise that the man-made CO₂ is a problem is wrong, all these climate-related programs are a colossal waste of resources. Earth’s climate history shows that the premise is dead wrong.”

Mr. Stouffer cited several scientific reports demonstrating major climate change during the period before fossil fuels were used. The reports, he claimed, showed that climate change was more dramatic during earlier periods when fossil fuels were not common than it is in the modern era.

He also quoted well-known climate scientists who say CO₂ is not now or has ever been a problem, however, they do not receive mainstream media coverage.

Mr. Stouffer wrapped up his deputation by giving the scientific figures of the true amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere, which amounts would be considered ‘trace amounts’ of the gas.

Council made a motion to receive the deputation which was carried by a vote. 

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