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Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Orono Weekly Times - 13 O'TOOLE Continued from page 2 Government Delays Energy Plan Release for Another Year - Why? Last week, the province revealed that the public release of the Ontario Power Authority's long-promised plan for the province's electricity system will have to wait until at least next year. This government has stonewalled on the delivery of the plan since 2007. In my view, the government is trying to hide controversies like the true cost of smart meters, the sweetheart deal with Samsung and other energy experiments until after the provincial election. In the Legislature last week, opposition MPPs revealed there was a 344% growth in Ontario Power Authority board and employee expenses since 2005. You can't help but wonder if the OPA is the energy version of eHealth. Ontario families deserve to know why the McGuinty government is continuing to operate without a plan. Why are they paying more for bloated bureaucracy and failed energy experiments? Surely the government policy decisions on new wind farms and expensive renewable energy must have been part of a plan. I ask the Premier to release the plan now. Exactly what are they hiding? Oct. 8 Deadline for New Nuclear Plant Comments The Joint Review Panel for the new Darlington Nuclear power plant project has announced a deadline of October 8 for public comments. These comments cover the OPG environmental impact statement (EIS) and licence to prepare the site. Further information is posted online at the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry. www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca. The reference number is 07-05-29525. Commissioner Says Ontario Needs 1 Billion Trees Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller said last week that the Ministry of Natural Resources should lead a coordinated strategy for re-establishing forests in southern Ontario. He set a target of planting one billion trees to address the long-term challenge of maintaining natural heritage systems and addressing climate change. Among the recommenda- tions on "afforesting" Ontario are: · co-ordinating tree planting on private land; · ensuring the availability of seed and seedling stock; and · co-ordinating landowner incentives to maintain and conserve woodlands. Among the other recommendations of the Commissioner was the publishing of annual reports on the quality of municipal wastewater dischargers to Ontario waterways, providing both concentrations and loadings of key pollutants. The Commissioner warned that Great Lakes pollution is getting worse. Opposition Environment Critic Toby Barrett said broken commitments, wasted spending and lacklustre consultation demonstrate Dalton McGuinty's failure to deliver on environmental priorities. He added the report reveals that Dalton McGuinty failed to protect beach lands, and failed to consult with concerned citizens on power plants. Opposition Leader Tim Hudak noted that although the number of government workers making more than $100,000 has skyrocket- ed, they're not out in the field delivering frontline services. In his report, the Commissioner called for a redefining of conservation. There are a total of 15 recommendations in his report. The complete document is located online at www.eco.on.ca. International Plowing Match It was my privilege to join MPPs from across Ontario at the International Plowing Match held in St. Thomas last week. The Plowing Match is always an outstanding showcase of Ontario agriculture, as well as serving as a trade show, entertainment venue, and family reunion for Ontario's farm communities. This year's theme was "Women in Agriculture," with Laureen Harper, wife of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, speaking at the Official Opening. Clearly, farms and agri-businesses are responding to changing times through innovation, knowhow, and hard work. As Thanksgiving approaches and harvest season continues, please remember to support Ontario's farmers by including locally-grown food on your shopping list. Do you think you have a drinking problem? ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS www.aaoshawa.org We can help! 905-728-1020