QUEEN’S PARK – Mr. Arnott today delivered a statement on the October 26th wind farms protest in the Township of Centre Wellington, which he attended. The following is the text of his statement:
“Mr. Speaker:
“I’m glad the Minister of the Environment is in the Legislative Precinct and I hope he’s listening.
“Today the Guelph Mercury reports that upwards of 1,000 people turned out last night—in the rain—to protest a proposed wind farm in Centre Wellington Township.
“I was there too, Mr. Speaker, arriving as soon as I could to hear what my constituents were saying about the wind farm proposal and about the McGuinty Government’s energy policies.
“I listened to many constituents, and their message was a devastating indictment of this government’s refusal to listen to them before permitting the installation of massive wind farms in their communities.
“People told me the McGuinty Government has stripped away their say as average citizens. They believe this government’s Green Energy Act has stripped away local decision-making authority. I believe they are right.
“Again I call on this government to complete a comprehensive and independent study of the wind turbines’ effect on human health before any new wind farm proposals go forward.
“Again I call on the Minister of the Environment to account for his contradictory statements on the role municipalities play in the approvals process.
“Do municipalities have the power to stop them, or not? He should address this basic question right here in the Legislature.
“Despite this government’s apparent determination to push ahead with wind farms, no matter what the cost, no matter what the opposition, there is hope.
“For when a community is united, and speaks with one voice, that voice is heard—and it cannot be ignored.
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”
