After 15 productive years, Gord Miller is winding down his term as Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner.
The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario is the province’s independent environmental watchdog. Appointed by all parties in the Legislative Assembly, the ECO is tasked with monitoring and reporting on compliance with the Environmental Bill of Rights, and the government’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in achieving greater energy conservation in Ontario. The Commissioner also helps manage and monitor citizens’ requests for reviews and investigations of government action and policies.
The Commissioner’s reports help to set the Ontario environmental agenda, and to bring more facts and analysis to the public conversation on environmental issues. For those interested in environmental policy, these reports are always mandatory reading and useful references. The Commissioner’s oversight and reporting role is particularly important as the ministries involved, principally the Ministries of Environment and Climate Change, and of Natural Resources and Forestry, struggle with larger mandates and limited budgets.
Mr. Miller is rightfully proud of his many accomplishments, such as persuading the government to adopt the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, and to take action to protect bees from neonicotinoid pesticides. He has also played an important role in keeping climate change on the provincial agenda. Thank you, Gord, for everything that you and your staff have done in the last 15 years.
The Legislative Assembly is now looking for the next Commissioner. The job ad is posted here.