Liberals deny wind farm health effects, vote against moratorium

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington – Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2010

Liberals deny wind farm health effects, vote against moratorium
(Queen’s Park) – The McGuinty Liberals today voted down a motion calling for a moratorium on new wind farm development. It was defeated by a vote of 40 to 17.

“They’re just not listening to people’s legitimate concerns,” said Mr. Arnott.

Introduced by the Progressive Conservative caucus, the motion demanded an independent,
comprehensive study to confirm that industrial wind energy sites do not pose a risk to community health and environment concerns. It also called for restoration of municipal planning authority.

The motion was inspired by one introduced by Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, and a bill introduced by Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones.

Wind farm opponents filled the Legislature’s public galleries but, after a few interrupted the
proceedings, all visitors were removed by the Acting Speaker of the House. They were told that if
they didn’t leave, they might be charged with trespassing.

During his participation in the debate, Mr. Arnott welcomed local organizers in Wellington-Halton Hills, including the Oppose Belwood Wind Farm Action Group (OBWF), which is joining Wind Concerns Ontario and community groups from over 50 other municipalities.

He also drew attention to the Green Energy Act, which the McGuinty Liberals passed last year.

“Fourteen months ago, when the McGuinty Government introduced its so-called Green Energy Act, I said that a more appropriate title would have been the Power Grab Act,” said Mr. Arnott.

“This legislation confiscated local councils’ decision-making authority, while dismissing serious
questions regarding wind turbines and their potential effects on human health,” he continued. “It removed opportunities for public input.”

During the noon hour, Mr. Arnott also addressed hundreds of protesters gathered on the lawn of
Queen’s Park.

Despite the motion’s defeat, Mr. Arnott is not giving up. Next week he plans to begin introducing his constituents’ petitions on this subject.

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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org