Ontario on Tuesday appointed a new climate action group that will advise the provincial government on climate change policy, to be headed by former federal MP John Godfrey.

The announcement came as Toronto is in the process of drawing up its climate policy for the future, and the government is considering whether to introduce a carbon market or a tax on greenhouse gas emissions.

“The climate action group will advise the minister on effective climate change actions that will help Ontario meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals and transition to a prosperous, low-carbon economy,” the Toronto Ministry of Environment and Climate Change said.

The group will be headed by former Liberal MP John Godfrey.

The group consists of representatives from business, NGOs and academia, and includes Katie Sullivan of IETA, John D. Coyne, general counsel for Unilever Canada, and Michael McSweeney, president and CEO of the Cement Association of Canada.

The group will meet quarterly, and will also meet twice a year with the climate advisory panel of neighbouring Quebec.

By Stian Reklev – stian@carbon-pulse.com