MPPs Arnott, Pettapiece call for turbine moratorium pending Health Canada study

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington – Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2012

MPPs Arnott, Pettapiece call for turbine moratorium pending
Health Canada study
(Wellington-Halton Hills) – In light of a new study announced by Health Canada, critics are blasting
the McGuinty government for dismissing concerns about the health effects of wind turbines.

MPPs Ted Arnott (Wellington-Halton Hills) and Randy Pettapiece (Perth-Wellington) today called on
the province to impose an immediate moratorium on new wind turbines. Their demand comes after
Health Canada announced its new study on the relationship between wind turbine noise and
potential health effects, specifically for those living near wind developments.

“For years, we have heard that some people living near wind turbines are getting sick,” noted Mr.
Arnott. “Low-frequency noise from the turbines may be causing it.”

He continued: “Before they build any new wind farms, we need to find out what the Health Canada
study concludes.”

Mr. Pettapiece agrees. “The McGuinty government is nothing short of negligent for ignoring the
people who live near turbines,” he said. “If the government isn’t going to listen to our constituents,
they should at least wait for the results from the experts at Health Canada.”

If that study confirms significant health risks associated with wind farms, the government could face
serious consequences.

Mr. Arnott asked bluntly: “What would the government do with the turbines? Dismantle them? Sell
them as scrap metal? Give them away as door prizes at Liberal fundraising dinners?”

Mr. Pettapiece pointed to the many letters he wrote to the Premier highlighting concerns from across
Perth-Wellington. In recent weeks, Pettapiece has written to the Premier regarding resolutions from
Perth East and North Perth.

In addition, Mr. Pettapiece has made the Premier aware of a survey by the Elma-Mornington
Concerned Citizens, a community group in North Perth, which found that 96 percent of residents
affected by the Invenergy turbine proposal are opposed to the project.

The Health Canada study is being designed with support from external experts specializing in areas
including noise, health assessment, clinical medicine and epidemiology. The results of the study are
expected in 2014.

“The federal government is listening to our citizens on this issue,” concluded Mr. Pettapiece. “It’s
time the McGuinty government started listening too.”

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