Jan. 9, 2013

The Honourable James Bradley

Minister of the Environment

Ferguson Block, 11th Floor
77 Wellesley St W
Toronto ON M7A 2T5

OPEN LETTER

Dear Minister Bradley:

I am writing to you today to express my growing apprehension over the revelations arising from recent Freedom of Information releases. In November 2012, emails from your Ministry, released through the FOI process, reveal that MOE provincial field officers had confirmed adverse health effects from wind turbine noise as far back as 2009, and were working on an abatement plan to assist affected residents. The released documents indicate that, in response to a redacted email from government staff, the MOE officers agreed to stand down.

Minister, this information raises several serious questions and concerns. Why was the abatement plan put on hold and why did the Liberal government proceed with the implementation of The Green Energy and Economy Act when it was aware that existing projects were causing adverse impacts? Was this information relayed to the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Arlene King, and why did she not contact the affected residents to investigate their complaints? How is it possible that this evidence from your own Ministry was not included in The Potential Health Impact of Wind Turbines literature review Dr. King released in May of 2010? A draft version of the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s question and answer document, which was not distributed to the public, has been obtained through a Freedom of Information request. Comments indicate a causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects. The term ‘direct’ was added to a later version of the document. Minister, I find it troubling that your government continued to use Dr. King’s report as a basis for approving subsequent wind projects without further investigation of this conflicting information.

It is essential that the Ministry of the Environment consider the newly released Cooperative Measurement Survey and Analysis of Low-Frequency and Infrasound at the Shirley Wind Farm study by Bruce Walker, George Hessler, David Hessler, Robert Rand and Paul Schomer, which concluded that measurable amounts of low-frequency noise and infrasound were present inside homes within 1-2.1 km of industrial wind turbines. Four consulting companies found that wind turbines do emit infra- and low-frequency sound and that this new information will have a significant impact on the future of the wind industry. Given the results of this report, Ontario cannot continue to approve the siting of wind projects using the current standards, which do not take infrasound and low-frequency noise into account.

I would also like to take this opportunity to share my concern about your ministry’s approval of the Ostrander Point wind project on Dec. 20, 2012. How can the Ministry of the Environment ignore the concerns of naturalists and citizens in situating these wind turbines within the Prince Edward County South Shore Important Bird Area? What is the justification of allowing a wind proponent to harm two endangered species when the province has excess generation capacity?

Respectfully, the government and your Ministry should acknowledge the mounting evidence that the Liberal green energy strategy is collapsing. Prorogued government notwithstanding, you cannot disregard the World Trade Organization ruling against Ontario’s Feed-In Tariff local content rules, municipal officials facing lawsuits for insisting on greater setbacks, cancelled gas plants, export loss, increasing electricity prices, families abandoning their homes, reports of property devaluation and growing social unrest.

Minister, it is critical that you stop the approval of any new wind projects and address these existing problems before more damage is done.

Sincerely,

Lisa Thompson, MPP Huron-Bruce

Dear Editor,

What wonderful communities we live in.  A huge thank-you to all of the people and businesses who supported the Huron County Christmas Bureau in the five towns: Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Seaforth and Wingham.

The donations of clothing, toys, food and financial contributions were amazing and because of you, the local bureaus were able to assist over 480 families with over 1,000 children.

A heartfelt thank-you also goes to the volunteer managers and their teams, the local churches for hosting the Bureaus, the members of the Central committee and the many phone volunteers.  Approximately 200 volunteers work thousands of hours to make the Huron County Christmas Bureau a success.

Thank-you to each of you for making a difference in a child’s Christmas.

Sincerely,

Barb Hogan

Chairperson, Huron County Christmas Bureau

Dear Editor:

As the Progressive Conservative Deputy Critic for Green Energy, I was surprised to learn that just days before she began her campaign to be Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party and Premier of Ontario the former Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing changed regulations within the Municipal Act that allow for green energy projects to move through the approval process at a much quicker rate.

I am concerned because the amendments to the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) were not thoroughly explained to municipalities and stakeholders, and municipal officials whom I spoke to were unaware these changes were happening. I see some very serious repercussions if these draft amendments are adopted. From an economic standpoint, this move to accelerate green energy development will only exacerbate Ontario’s fiscal problems. After several years, the promise of green energy has failed, and the reality is that wind and solar power are neither affordable nor reliable.

The promised green jobs and manufacturing have also not materialized and those few highly-subsidized jobs that do exist do not even begin to make up for the exodus of industry and manufacturers from our province. Other countries around the world have finally had to accept the reality that wind and solar energy are a net drain on an economy. Subsidies are being slashed or eliminated and wind turbine and solar companies are declaring bankruptcy at an alarming rate, yet these draft amendments commit Ontario even further to a failed ideology. The pending World Trade Organization ruling against Ontario’s local content provisions in the Green Energy and Economy Act will prove to further hinder the development of local jobs and production facilities in the province.

This Liberal government is well-aware of the growing resentment in rural communities and the dissatisfaction of municipal councils over the anti-democratic manner in which their planning authority for renewable energy development was taken away. Some of the proposed amendments further erode the planning authority of municipal governments with regard to renewable energy. These changes serve to open up previously unavailable areas to green energy development and direct local authorities to ensure that zoning and development by-laws support renewable energy production and direct land use planning to that end.

I am writing to you today because this further proves that the Liberal government, despite proroguing the Legislature last month still continues to make decisions that greatly impact Ontarians without the opportunity for the Official Opposition—or the public – to hold them to account. I am very concerned that measures like these—done behind the doors of a Cabinet meeting – will become more frequent. Ontarians deserve a doors open Legislature so they can know what is really happening behind the closed ones.

Lisa Thompson,

MPP, Huron-Bruce

Dear Editor,

It’s almost Christmas and most families are busy preparing for the holidays.  The Huron County Christmas Bureau is again gearing up to ensure that no child is forgotten at Christmas. With the support of Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society, volunteers are working hard to provide over 1,000 children with a Christmas made merry through YOUR generosity.

The Christmas Bureau is a county-wide volunteer group that organizes five gift centres (bureaus) that distribute toys, clothing, food and food vouchers to families in our county whose parents are unable to provide these items.

There are a number of ways that YOU can participate in the 2012 Christmas Bureau campaign.

FIRST, open your heart and open your wallet. Please donate new toys and clothing, non-perishable food items or a financial gift to the local bureau in your community starting the week of Dec. 3^rd.  Drop boxes are also located throughout your community to help you make your donation. Many schools, churches, businesses, service groups and social clubs organize fund-raising events that help in collecting donations so let’s get creative this year.

SECOND, the gift centres (bureaus) are located in local churches and the members of these churches volunteer many hours collecting, sorting, organizing, displaying and then helping the families choose their children’s gifts.  Perhaps you would like to give the gift of time to the church group in your community.  You could consider organizing your neighbours, your co-workers, your sports team, your club to work together as a “Santa group” and pitch in some time to help out.

THIRD, if you are a custodial parent and live in Huron County and need help to make your Christmas merry this year, call “Christmas Central” at (519-524-7356 x 3271 or 1-800-265-5198 x3271) from Monday to Friday (Nov. 19 to Dec. 7). When you call, be sure to have ready the ages and clothing sizes of your children. You will be given an appointment during the week of Dec. 10^th when you can privately choose suitable gifts for your family at the gift centre closest to your home.

Our community’s needs are great but the rewards are even greater – the opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas by sharing the joy of the season. A gift to a child is a gift to yourself.

2012 Bureau/ Gift Centres are located in:

-        Clinton – Clinton Christian Reformed Church, 243 Princess St. E

-        Exeter – Precious Blood Catholic Church, 200 Sanders St. W

-        Goderich – Knox Presbyterian Church, 9 Victoria St. N

-        Seaforth – The Agriplex , 140 Duke St. (hosted by Bethel  Bible Church)

-        Wingham – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 281 Josephine Church

THANK YOU for your generosity,

Barb Hogan

Dear Editor:

With the addition of Cathy Cove to your roster, along with Quinn Ross – and (your own) Heather Boa’s own incisive contributions, Bullet New Huron is fast assuming the role of community watchdog long ago vacated by folks like Elsa Haydon, Shirley Keller, Ron Shaw & Ron Price.

Well done!!

Paul Carroll

Dear Editor:

Hi. I just wanted to thank the Officer that pulled me over Nov. 12 in the morning. I didn’t catch his name but he was driving the tan coloured OPP crusier. I was driving rather hastily due to a flood that was occuring in my house. After losing almost everything in the past tornado I couldn’t nor could my family afford another substantial loss. He pulled me over and in under a minute he gave me a well deserved warning and also help a emotional wreck that I was in. This occurence was at around 7:20 a.m. yesterday morning. With his short conversation it will only cost a few hundred instead of a few thousand for damages due to the flood. Thanks again.

Joe Roosemalen

Dear Editor:

Nov. 22 marks the one-year anniversary of PFLAG Canada Goderich. PFLAG is a national organization with local chapters. It is for those who are, or know someone who is, struggling with gender identity and sexual orientation issues. This group provides a friendly ear for families, friends, allies, and LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning) individuals.

In the past year much has happened. Each month saw a support group meeting as well as the below events:

On Nov. 22, 2011, the first support meeting was held at the Goderich Branch of the Huron County Library.

In March 2012, the Chapter leader was Central Huron Secondary School’s  GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) guest speaker.

On May 14, 2012 Goderich Town Council declared May 17 as official International Day against Homophobia Day. Also this month the chapter leader made a presentation at the Avon-Maitland District School Board Gay Straight Alliance Day.

In June, there was a movie night at the Huron County Museum. The movie shown was Farm Family, in Search of Gay life in Rural America.

July saw a massive garage sale fund-raiser, with over $300 raised. The group partnered with the Huron OSPCA who barbecued hotdogs and sold drinks. Also, this month we marched in the Goderich Canada Day Parade.

August events included a Social Bowling night and an information booth at Windstock.

As we look to the future, here is what the next year will bring:

Nov. 17, 2012: Watch for PFLAG Canada Goderich in the Goderich Santa Claus Parade.

Nov. 21, 2012: Next support group meeting at the Goderich Library, 6 p.m.

Date TBA: Cyber-bullying workshop, with OPP guest speaker.

It has been an interesting first year, and we would like to extend a thank-you to all the local agencies and businesses that have assisted the group. A special Thank-you to the nurses at the Huron County Health Unit who have been indispensable at providing referrals, the businesses that have provided donations, the Huron County Library for donating the space for meetings, and lastly, all the great people who have attended the meetings and volunteered at events.  All of you help make the group the success it is.

Jennifer Zoethout

Chapter Leader, PFLAG Canada Goderich

Dear Editor,

As the Progressive Conservative Deputy Critic for Green Energy, I was stunned last week to hear that in these time of economic uncertainty, the Energy Minister and his Liberal government is recklessly forging ahead with more unaffordable feed-in tariff (FIT) contracts, even though Dalton McGuinty and the Liberals put the brakes on the Ontario Legislature.

By proroguing the Legislature while still pushing ahead with policies and project approvals, the Liberal government is abusing their power and are not making themselves accountable to opposition parties, the ratepayers and voters. With the doors locked at Queen’s Park, we as elected members of the Official Opposition have no way to hold the government to account. There is no Question Period, no debates and no committees. Just the minority Liberal government making decisions to move ahead with more unaffordable FIT contracts without community consultation, and without having to put these decisions in front of the opposition.

With this latest move, it is obvious that the minority Liberals are trying to render the opposition powerless with a move unwanted in many communities. This is a stark contrast from my Leader Tim Hudak and the Progressive Conservative Party. We remain steadfast that Dalton McGuinty’s “green dream” has not worked; in fact it has caused skyrocketing electricity rates for all Ontario families and driven businesses and manufacturing out of Ontario.

Tim Hudak and the PC’s are committed to an Ontario where a mix of energy resources will be reliable, affordable, feasible and most importantly—welcome in communities. We have committed to the cancellation of the FIT program, a decision we stand firmly behind. We will work together with industry and municipalities to define an energy plan that works for all of Ontario—one that is based on energy demand and affordability.

By shutting down the Legislature, the minority Liberals have blocked our only venue to question their actions and motives. They erased important bills and motions, including my four motions calling for a moratorium on further wind development until proper studies are completed. The Liberals are hiding behind prorogation and using this time to push through policies and projects that are self-serving, irresponsible, and driven by a political agenda—and the PC Party will not stand for it, but we will stand beside the citizens of Ontario advocating for transparency, accountability and responsibility.

Lisa Thompson, MPP
Huron-Bruce

Dear Editor:

As a member of our Tenant Relations Committee, it is with the greatest pleasure and no small amount of pride that I am happy to say that Maple Tree Community Housing is preparing to begin operations at 45 Nelson Street East, Goderich. We have been accepting applications for the units available and we are astonished at the amount of people who are looking for a one-bedroom apartment. Luckily half of our apartments are one-bedroom units, so there are a number available to choose from.

What we have found unusual is the lack of applications for the two- and three-bedroom units. We truly wish to see every unit occupied with individuals and families.

We encourage anyone who is considering a move or in need of a two- or three-bedroom to please contact us. It is important to note that these are Affordable Housing units and not low rental units. The intention all along has been to bridge the gap between low income and full market prices for rental units, moving people along the continuum of housing from low or geared to income housing to Affordable Housing when life circumstances allow it. Perhaps you now have a better job, or you have a stable relationship and your partner has a good income to contribute to the home. Or maybe you are new to the area and are looking for a place to live and just can’t stretch to full market and maybe don’t quite qualify for low income.

If you are reading this letter and need Affordable Housing, please contact us. Our building is really quite lovely and although we have retained as much historic presence as possible, the building is quite modern and light inside. A great deal of effort was given to make our building a place you can call your home and feel safe and comfortable there. Rent limits are set at 80 per cent of prevailing amounts in the county as determined by the government.

Maple Tree Housing Community Corporation is a not-for-profit organization, offering an Affordable Housing alternative in the County of Huron in the Town of Goderich.  You can view our Web site at http://www.mapletreeapartments.ca/or call 519.612.1222 to request an application or for more information about the facility.

Sincerely, on behalf of

Maple Tree Community Housing Corp.

Kimberley Payne

Dear Editor,

I don’t know whether to laugh, cry or scream.  I attended the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s Deep Geological Repository Open House at the Ripley Community Centre several weeks ago.  This is supposedly a process for helping people understand the implications of welcoming the highly radioactive waste fuel from all of Canada’s nuclear reactors into their community.

It was like attending a smoking information session by the tobacco industry that failed to mention lung cancer, emphysema or heart disease.  The open house has lots of fancy displays and glossy literature but when one does a little thinking about it the goal seems more to gloss over or mislead the attendee than to provide the “transparency” it mentions in its literature.

Some examples.

1. I asked the very pleasant young man touring me through the displays if they had any information on the health impacts of radiation.  He said yes but when we went to find the brochure it wasn’t there.  It had not been brought to the open house. He did give me the name of it and promised to send it to me – but it meant that anyone who did not know to ask would not get easy access to that information.

2. There was a neat little display of some stones and a pair of salt and pepper shakers which you could rotate past a geiger counter and hear it clicking off radiation hits and see the scale.  However there was no information about how this level of radioactivity compared with that of used fuel.  When I asked the staff of the NWMO at the session they couldn’t tell me but would get back to me with that information.

3. A brochure entitled Multiple-Barrier System on its front page in bold print says “Barrier 1: The Used Nuclear Fuel Pellet.” Underneath is a photo of an ungloved human hand holding a pellet with tweezers in front of a pile of pellets in the back ground.  When I point out to the staff that this can’t be used nuclear fuel pellets since they would be way too hot, both radioactively and thermally, for a person to be unprotected they agree that it is a misleading picture.

4. When I got home I went on the internet and looked up the document missing at the open house, The Nature of the Hazard.  It mentions cancer once and fails to mention birth defects or genetic damage by name.  It has a very small graph showing the radioactivity of used fuel compared to natural uranium. It uses double logarithmic scales on both the time and radioactivity scales.  The equally spaced time points on the graph are 10^-2, 10^0, 10², 10⁴, 10⁶ – this translates  to 3 days, 1 year, 100 years, 10,000 years and 1 million years.  The radioactivity scale is equally confusing.

For ordinary people a more useful discussion can be found in a talk by Dr. Cathy Vakil, Queen’s University, Department of Family Medicine.  To find it go to youtube and search for “Radioactivity, Health and the Nuclear Industry, Dr. CathyVakil.”   Or Google “Chernobyl’s Children” if you want to see how these “hazards” play out in real life.

 It is misleading and dishonest to talk about the “hazards” of radioactive fuel without being clearer about cancer, genetic damage and birth defects.  This is not a good start to a community information process that purports to be open and honest.

Yours Sincerely,

Tony McQuail

Lucknow, ON