Final Chance for Comments on Waste Incinerator
Ontario’s provincial government is moving closer to a very important decision on the proposed Durham/York Energy from Waste project. Staff from the Ministry of Environment completed their review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) plus recent amendments. Their report is almost 400 pages in length. However, the conclusions of Ministry staff indicate, in part, that: “The Ministry is satisfied that the proposed mitigation methods and contingencies will ensure that any potential negative impacts will be minimized and managed.”
Last week in the House, I had the opportunity to Question Ontario’s Environment Minister regarding emissions standards. Concerns have been raised over the monitoring of pollutants from the project. I asked the Minister if he can assure all of the people in my riding of Durham that this project will have the highest and best emissions standards, that it will be monitored and reported publicly and, more importantly, that there will be severe penalties for exceeding allowable limits. There is a final opportunity for public comments before the EA goes to the Minister of Environment for his decision. The deadline for comments is April 2 and the latest reports are available online at www.durhamyorkwaste.ca .
The proposed thermal treatment waste management facility is capable of processing up to 140,000 tonnes of residual municipal and solid waste. It will include an electrical power generating system. The location is south of Highway 401, on the west side of Osborne Rd. and north of the CN Rail corridor in Clarington.
Ontario’s provincial government will make the final choice of approving the Environmental Assessment, rejecting it, attaching additional conditions, or ordering further hearings. Since the provincial government has final responsibility, it is important that the government has advice and input from all citizens. I encourage you to take this opportunity to be heard.
Have You Lost Access to Cottage Property?
Some owners of cottages and recreational land may discover their deeded rights-of-way have been cancelled. With the introduction of an electronic land registry database, recorded deed and land information was limited to 40 years prior to 2007. However, many property owners may not be aware the right-of-way they are using to drive to their cottage, woodlot, hunting camp or other recreational property is no longer recognized. I am working to restore disappearing easements and rights of way. I would be interested in your suggestions for possible legislation as well as any experiences you may have had regarding the loss of access to your property through the loss of what had once been a valid and deeded right-of-way.
Summer Jobs at Ministry of Natural Resources
The province of Ontario is creating more than 2,500 summer job opportunities in the field of natural resources. In 2010, the Ministry of Natural Resources is offering jobs through four programs: Ontario Ranger, Ontario Stewardship Ranger, MNR Internship and Post-Secondary Co-op. Through partnerships with the Ministry of Government Services, programs are also being offered in: Summer Experience; Ontario Internship; Internship Program for Internationally Trained Individuals and the Aboriginal Work Experience.
Application deadline for the Ontario Ranger Program is March 26, 2010. For the Stewardship Ranger Program (Open to applicants who were born in 1993), the deadline is May 28, 2010. Summer Experience positions for 2010 will be posted online as of March 8, 2010. The deadline for applications varies between April 8 and mid-June 2010. Information is available online at www.ontario.ca/mnryouthprograms
This year, it is estimated that more than 100,000 students will find jobs and gain work experience through provincial summer job programs. Information is available online at : www.ontario.ca/summerjobs .
Ontario Awaits Throne Speech
As this column is being written, the McGuinty Government’s priorities for the new session of the Ontario Legislature have not been announced. However, if previous Throne Speeches are any indication, Ontarians cannot count on this government to deliver its promises.
For example, in the 2007 Throne Speech, the McGuinty government promised a provincial diabetes strategy, the centerpiece of which would be a provincial diabetes registry to be set up by the Spring 2009. The spring of 2009 has come and gone, but Ontario diabetics are still no closer to getting their promised support. The 2007 Speech from the Throne said Ontario families would “get the care they need when they need it.” The reality is that, since 2005-2006, the amount of money OHIP spends on out-of-country procedures has nearly tripled, with $164.3 million dollars now being spent to send almost 12,000 patients out of the country for their necessary health care. That’s up from $56.3 million in 2005. Under the watch of this government, a network of private medical brokers is charging fees in excess of $20,000 to match Ontario patients with U.S. hospitals and clinics. I look forward to your comments on the Throne Speech, which is to be tabled Monday, March 8. I may be reached at 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 or by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org.
Lunchtime Tours of Ontario Legislature
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario is offering free half hour tours at Queen’s Park every Wednesday from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Each month will feature a unique theme. Stories of women in parliament are highlighted this month, in honour of International Women’s Day. Participants are invited to meet at the Information Desk in the lobby of the Legislative Building. If you plan to attend, or if you need more information, please let me know by calling 905-697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433 or by e-mail at john.otooleco@pc.ola.org. I would be pleased to greet you at Queen’s Park.
