Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.

QUEEN’S PARK – Four private members’ motions to put a halt on wind energy development across the province were tabled in the Ontario Legislature by Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson recently.

The move re-introduces motions that were wiped off the slate of business when the Ontario Legislature was prorogued in October after the resignation of then-premier Dalton McGuinty.

The motions call upon the government to suspend all industrial wind turbine development in the province of Ontario until the federal health study is complete and the results are published, an economic viability study, an environmental impact study, and social health study has been completed.

“So much has happened since I tabled my motions last fall,” said Thompson. “We have found out through [Freedom of Information] documents from the Ministry of Environment that this Liberal government has known for years that there are significant health impacts from industrial wind turbines, but turned a blind eye and told the environmental officers who discovered these impacts to stand down,” she said, in a press release issued last week.

She said the documents showed that the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Arlene King, was directed to use the term “direct” when referring to the health effects of wind turbines, because there are “indirect” links. In May 2010, King delivered a review http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/ministry/publications/reports/wind_turbine/wind_turbine.pdf of existing scientific evidence on the health impacts of wind turbines and concluded there was no direct causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects.

“The evidence is on the side of a moratorium,” Thompson said. “ Let’s pause, take a sober second look at the Green Energy Act, and see how we can do better for the people of rural Ontario—because they deserve it.”

File photo

Bullet News NORTH HURON – North Huron councillors urged provincial ministers to apply a rural lens to its decisions during a series of meetings at an annual conference this week.

The municipality’s Reeve Neil Vincent, along with Coun. Brock Vodden and CAO / Clerk Gary Long, met with ministers from municipal affairs and housing, rural affairs, economic development, trade and employment, and community safety during the joint Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) / Ontario Good Roads conference, Feb. 24 to 27, held at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. The conference highlight is the opportunity for municipal politicians to have a brief audience with ministers and senior staff to bring forward concerns from their communities.

“Our meetings went very well.  It’s an opportunity for us to profile our municipality, discuss current issues and priorities, identify possible partnership opportunities, and build relationships with key decision-makers at Queen’s Park, “ Vincent said.

Among issues brought forward by North Huron officials were: the Provincial Policy Statement, a guiding document on land use planning, needs to be more flexible to support residential, commercial, and industrial development projects in rural communities; the need for continued infrastructure funding for small municipalities; the need for program support and funding for community economic development initiatives; and developing the Emergency Services Training Centre in Blyth to become a Regional Training Centre for Emergency Management Ontario courses as well as delivering a provincially recognized Emergency Vehicle Operator Program.

Goderich’s mayor was expected to make a pitch for money to pay for 150 hydro poles and miles of lines destroyed in the 2011 tornado when he and a delegation from his town met with the minister of municipal affairs and housing and housing on Sunday.

Deb Shewfelt said he and a contingency from Goderich would ask the new minister, Linda Jeffrey, for funds to pay for damage to assets owned by Goderich Hydro that were not covered by insurance.

“We’re asking the province to take a hard look at helping us out,” he said. “We’re short a million and a half [dollars] and certainly we’d like all we could get if it’s at all possible.”

Goderich Hydro applied to the Ontario Energy Board for a rate increase to cover the extra cost, including upgrades while repairs were being made, but was turned down previously.

Central Huron officials were expected to discuss the province’s Provincial Policy Statement when they met with the minister of rural affairs.

HEATHER BOA Bullet News HURON COUNTY – Huron County’s member of provincial Parliament isn’t convinced incoming premier Kathleen Wynne is up for the task of running a government that will focus on jobs and the economy and be accountable to the people.

“I’m just concerned it’s going to be much the same,” said Lisa Thompson, Huron-Bruce MPP, after hearing a victory speech that promised to build on nine years of work done by outgoing Liberal premier Dalton McGuinty.

“That legacy is about gas plant scandals. It’s about taking away the decision-making process in rural Ontario through the Green Energy Act and having everything imposed on them in that regard,” she said. “At the end of the day, we need a province that is focused on generating and running on all cylinders.”

Wynne was elected leader of the Ontario Liberal Party Jan. 27 during a leadership convention at the former Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto this past weekend, after McGuinty prorogued the legislature Oct. 15 when he announced his resignation.

Thompson said she’s ready to go back to the legislature and demand answers from the Liberal government.

“It’s time to hold this government accountable in the forum that we have, which is the house. It’s been 127 days and it’s time we get back to business,” she said. She said the focus of her PC Party will be to get to the bottom of the gas plant closures in Oakville and Mississauga, a move the Liberals estimated to cost at least $230 million.

She said Wynne was also in cabinet for the ORNGE air ambulance scandal, botched teacher contract negotiations, the cancellation of Slots at Raceways program, and wind energy development and the Green Energy Act “and had many opportunities to stand up and make a difference at various junctures.”

Thompson will also watch to see how the MPP for the urban riding of Don Valley West reconciles the needs of her constituents with the job of premier.

“I look forward to seeing how she marries the true priorities of her constituents with anything she takes on. She’s MPP first in an urban riding and over and above that she’s got her premiership responsibilities. It will be interesting how she marries experience and priorities all together,” she said.

It’s expected the legislature will reopen Feb. 19.

Bullet News HURON COUNTY – Carol Mitchell is taking her knowledge of rural Ontario to the private sector, after nearly two decades in public service to residents in Huron County.

The former MPP for Huron-Bruce, who was minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs for the provincial Liberals, has joined Counsel Public Affairs Inc., a Toronto-based company specializing in public and government relations.

“I spent 18 years as a public servant, both in municipal and provincial politics. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have made a contribution to my community, locally and provincially,” Mitchell said, in an email to Bullet News Huron.

“Those years are over now, and I have gone back to work in the private sector.  I am very proud to be a principal with Counsel Public Affairs, which is a well-respected firm,” she said.

Mitchell began her political career on Clinton’s municipal council in 1993, eventually serving as reeve at the head of council, and also as warden at Huron County Council. She was the first reeve elected to Central Huron Council, which is an amalgamation of the Town of Clinton, and townships of Hullett and Goderich.

She won the Liberal nomination for Huron Bruce in 2002 and defeated the PC incumbent Helen Johns in the 2003 provincial election. During her provincial political career, she served as parliamentary assistant in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

In 2010, she was named Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and helped to shape the risk-management plan for grain and oilseed, cattle, hog, sheep and veal farmers and the edible horticulture sector.

Mitchell was defeated by PC newcomer Lisa Thompson in the October 2011 provincial election.

HEATHER BOA Bullet News GODERICH – The debate over extending the warden’s term to two years after the next election has spilled into the election ring, as incumbent Bernie MacLellan and George Robertson make their bids for election as Huron County’s top councillor.

Bernie MacLellan. File photo.

In a race MacLellan defines as “neck and neck,” he has been told by some county councillors they won’t vote for him next month because they’re not in favour of a councillor serving more than a single one-year term as head of county council.

“There are some people on council who openly don’t like the idea of a two-year term and there are some people who think it’s a good idea. That seems to be the dividing line,” said MacLellan, who is also mayor of the Municipality of Huron East.

Robertson, who is also mayor of the Municipality of South Huron, said he’s “been getting some good vibes so far.”

He hopes all the councillors who have promised to vote for him will come through on election day.

George Robertson. File photo.

“If it happens, that’s a good thing. If it doesn’t, I’m not going to die over it,” he said.

In an annual tradition, councillors will vote by secret ballot at the inaugural council meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 5, before a swearing in ceremony and selection of councillors to serve on boards and committees.

As early as September, the candidates began making the rounds of council members in an attempt to win their votes.

Earlier this year, county councillors approved a plan to extend the warden’s term from one year to two after the municipal election in October 2014, as recommended in a recent report on county governance by George B. Cuff and Associates Ltd. It was just one of 64 recommendations for change in the way the county is administered.

Nov. 7 council held a public meeting, as required under the Municipal Act before passing a bylaw to change the warden’s term and later that approved the new term in a recorded vote of 9 to 6. One councillor was absent, but wrote a letter to council objecting to the two-year term.

Lisa Thompson, Huron-Bruce MPP.

QUEEN’S PARK— A new survey to determine ways to strengthen the province’s food processing industry and keep it competitive is being launched by Lisa Thompson, Huron-Bruce MPP.

She and Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP and PC agriculture, food and rural affairs critic, are asking Ontario’s food processors to complete an on-line survey that asks 32 questions, including multiple choice and short answers. The survey asks about government red tape, challenges with staffing, competition, and barriers to using Ontario ingredients.

“From small abattoirs and bakeries to large manufacturing facilities the Ontario food processing industry is a vital part of our economy,” said Thompson, who is PC energy deputy critic. “We need to look at how government interacts with this industry and ensure that red tape and unnecessary paperwork aren’t holding our companies back.”

With the results from this survey and the Ontario PC agriculture survey, the PCs intent to develop policy proposals for the province’s agriculture, food, and beverage industries.

According to the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors, there are over 3,000 food processors in Ontario who have a combined economic impact of $39 billion and employ 120,000 people.

“Ontario food processors are the largest purchaser of Ontario’s agriculture products, buying 65 per cent, so it’s important that these sectors are both strong and working effectively together to succeed,” said Hardeman.

“I invite all food processors and manufacturers in Huron-Bruce to share their ideas and expertise so we can identify and address the challenges they are facing,” said Thompson. “I want to support this valuable industry to continue to grow and create jobs and prosperity.”

To participate in this survey, visit online. To request a copy, please call 416-325-3467 or e-mail [email protected].

By Lisa Thompson, MPP Huron-Bruce

Remembrance Day is a time to commemorate the past, as well as celebrate the present, and hope for the future. Canadian Veterans have played a tremendous role in establishing and protecting the freedom and security we enjoy today. Canadian Forces continue to work with our allies to fulfill our obligations under various international treaties. Currently, Canadian soldiers are involved in disaster relief both at home and abroad as well as training international army and police officials to contribute to the security overseas. Finally we look towards a future where Canadian Armed Forces continue to ensure the safety of our citizens and of the global community both in times of conflict and peace.

On Nov. 11, Canadians across the country will pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our Veterans throughout history. Canadian Armed Forces in the past and the present have shown their bravery and dedication in serving our country. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and many more have sustained injuries. Our thoughts will especially be with the men and women who are currently serving our country both at home and abroad. In addition to saluting our Veterans, our thoughts will also be with families, friends, and communities who have mourned the loss of a loved one and who support their loved ones during their service.

My riding of Huron-Bruce will host many important events and each community will pay tribute to our Veterans in their own way. This year I will be attending the Exeter Remembrance Day ceremony where I am honoured to lay a wreath to commemorate the Veterans of this community.

In addition to the memorial services taking place across Huron-Bruce, many people and organizations find their own way to commemorate our country’s heritage. One example is the Bruce County Museum, which offers an exciting program titled Remembering Our Own. Through this program, participants can experience Bruce County’s military history by hearing stories from local Veterans who will be in attendance. It is important for Canadians of all ages to learn about and embrace our military history.

Earlier this year, I was honoured to stand in the Ontario Legislature and recognize the Goderich Legion and the Goderich Ladies Auxiliary on their 85th and 65th anniversaries, respectively. What an amazing history these two organizations have. The Goderich Legion, Branch 109, plays such a valuable role in the community by providing funding to community groups such as cadets, sports teams, cultural groups, and seniors. The Goderich Ladies Auxiliary also does incredible work supporting our Veterans and fundraising for various community initiatives. In fact, the Goderich Legion members and the Ladies Auxiliary achieved an amazing success when they worked together to raise $90,000 to help the community after Goderich was hit by a Tornado.

I would like to recognize the importance of Legions and Ladies Auxiliary groups across my riding and the valuable role they play in community life.

Remembrance Day is an important time for all Canadians to pay tribute to our military heroes of the past and present. Wherever you happen to be on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour, please take a moment to remember our Veterans and those currently serving today.

Bullet News QUEEN’S PARK — Four motions to put a halt to wind energy development across the province that were introduced by Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson are wiped of the slate with the proroguing of the Ontario Legislature.

On the first day of fall session of the Ontario Legislature, she tabled motions to suspend wind energy development in the province until a federal health study that’s currently under way is complete and the results are published, and Ontario-based economic viability, environmental impact, and social health studies are complete.

“I tabled these four motions to stand up for rural Ontarians who are concerned about the impacts of wind turbines on the health of their communities,” Thompson said.

Oct. 16, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty stepped down as leader of the Liberal party and asked Lieut.-Gov. David Onley to prorogue the Ontario Legislature, saying it would give the government time to work two strategies: negotiate wage freeze agreements with labour and meet with Opposition to put in place legislation for a wage freeze.

As a result of proroguing, all bills and motions are erased from the order paper. Thompson said other private members’ bills related to issues such as harness racing industry and municipal referendums to develop gambling facilities were also killed by the move to shut the legislature until a new Liberal leader is selected.

“These are important issues, and we cannot afford to shut the Legislature doors so the Liberal members can campaign for Leader,” she said.

In December 2011, Thompson tabled a private members motion calling for a moratorium on wind energy development until third-party social, physical and economic health, and environmental studies have been completed. Her motion was defeated in March 2012.

File photo.

HEATHER BOA Bullet News HURON COUNTY – Decisions on rural issues like renewable energy development and slots at raceways can’t be left to bureaucrats while the Legislature is prorogued, says Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, the morning after Ontario’s premier Dalton McGuinty announced his resignation at an emergency meeting of his caucus.

“The Energy Ministry could go rampant with crazy approvals that we no longer have a chance to debate with regards to their green energy plan. I’m nervous about what’s going to be happening in the next couple of months,” she said.

“I no longer have an opportunity to hold the government accountable for their actions in the Legislature,” Thompson said.

While all parties scramble after Ontario’s premier made the surprise announcement, Thompson says she’ll be back in the riding trying to stay on top of priorities for her constituents, trying to work with senior bureaucrats and constituency offices of provincial ministers in order to be aware of decisions that will affect Huron-Bruce residents.

McGuinty called the emergency meeting shortly after 6 p.m. last night, and with his wife, Terri, sitting in the front row he announced his resignation as leader of the Ontario Liberal party but will remain as leader until a convention can be held.

“After 16 years as leader of the Ontario Liberal party and after nine years as premier, it’s time for renewal. It’s time for the next Liberal premier. It’s time for the next set of Liberal ideas to guide our province forward,” he said.

Earlier, he visited Lieut.-Gov. David Onley to request he prorogue the Ontario Legislature, saying it would give the government time to work two strategies: negotiate wage freeze agreements with labour and meet with Opposition to put in place legislation for a wage freeze.

“At the end of the day, I was so much disappointed and surprised by the announcement because there is so much work to be done,” Thompson said. “The rug has been pulled out from all of us.”

She said the Legislature has prorogued at a time when there’s to be done to quell the labour unrest, reduce debt and resolve scandals like ORNGE and the gas plants cancellation. Scheduled hearings in the finance committee over the closure of gas plants in Mississauga and Oakville will be cancelled as will all other legislative business.

The Legislature will be prorogued until a new Liberal leader is in place, which some estimate to be as far as four months away. Committees to review bills had not been struck because the parties in the minority government could not agree on composition.

Thompson was on bereavement following the death of her father, Sydney Thompson, on Oct. 6. PC Leader Tim Hudak attended the funeral last week.

By Lisa Thompson, MPP Huron-Bruce

As Members of Provincial Parliament, we are elected to Queen’s Park to stand up for taxpayers — the people of Ontario. To start doing this we need to fix a broken system that awards unaffordable contract settlements to government union employees. And to do it, Tim Hudak and the Ontario PCs have brought forward the Ability to Pay Act.

We need a freeze on new government spending and a mandatory, across-the-board government employee pay freeze for two years. But what comes after that? Without bold reforms to the things that drive wages to these heights in the first place – such as the way arbitrators arrive at settlements in public sector contract disputes – we’ll be right back where we started from.

With a million employees and one out of every three workers considered an essential service, Ontario’s salary and benefit costs make up more than half of all budget expenditures. While the economy is barely growing, these workers continue to receive pay increases. When government employers and their unionized employees cannot agree on new contracts, the disputes wind up before arbitrators, who often award increases that taxpayers cannot afford.

For the last nine years, the McGuinty Liberals have ignored the calls of local officials to change the system. They know full well some municipal councils have been forced to increase property taxes, impose user fees or cut services to pay for these contracts – at the taxpayers’ expense.

In Stratford, for example, firefighters received both retroactive and future pay increases in 2011. This will cost local taxpayers’ an estimated $1.5 million – a 20-per-cent raise. In another case, an arbitrator gave a six per cent pay increase to Toronto Transit unions, which will cost taxpayers $100 million. It’s unaffordable, it’s unacceptable.

Once again the Ontario PCs are pressing ahead with bold ideas that now include our Ability to Pay Act – another important step to get our fiscal house in order and ensure scarce tax dollars go to the things people care about, like front-line health care and classroom education.

Our PC legislation does three key things to rein in arbitrated government employee settlements: first, all arbitrators’ decisions must consider specific economic and budgetary factors, like the taxpayers’ ability to pay, when making decisions – and explain how they did this in writing; second, it would establish a panel of independent arbitrators to decide public sector cases within three months; and third, an Ability to Pay Division, funded through existing resources, would be responsible for publishing comparative information on compensation, as well as proactively disclosing all arbitration decisions.

The Ability to Pay Act is about standing up for taxpayers and restoring economic prosperity. We need all parties in the Legislature to get behind this bill, so we can help rein in overspending and build a solid foundation for private sector job creation.

On Oct. 4, a crucial vote will take place at Queen’s Park that can make this bill law. The McGuinty Liberals needs to do the right thing, stand up for taxpayers and vote for our Ontario PC bill, the Ability to Pay Act.