MPP Arnott supports call for Select Committee to review emergency preparedness protocols

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington-Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2014

MPP Arnott supports call for Select Committee to review
emergency preparedness protocols

(Wellington-Halton Hills) – A Select Committee of the Ontario Legislature should be appointed to
review Ontario’s emergency preparedness and to develop protocols for better communication and
quicker responses in the future, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.

“I believe that in the aftermath of the ice storm we experienced over Christmas, it’s important to take
a step back and to review what the Province did right, as well as identify areas where we can
improve the process for next time,” said Mr. Arnott. “That’s what this committee should be designed
to do.”

The Christmas ice storm knocked out power to over 600,000 homes across Ontario, leaving many in
the dark for as many as eleven days.

“The ice storm hit Wellington-Halton Hills particularly hard,” Mr. Arnott noted. “We need to ensure
that next time we are ready to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The motion to strike the Select Committee will be brought forward by the Ontario PC Caucus on
February 18, the very first day the Legislature is scheduled to resume sitting.

A Select Committee is a committee of the Legislature composed of MPPs from all parties, which
would hold public hearings and hear from expert witnesses.

Mr. Arnott stressed that the call for a review is in no way a criticism of the work carried out during the
ice storm.

“I want to thank all the men and women who worked so hard and gave up Christmas with their
families to respond to the crisis. They did an amazing job,” said Mr. Arnott.

In particular, Mr. Arnott acknowledged the efforts of staff at Hydro One, Halton Hills Hydro, and
Centre Wellington Hydro, as well as municipal Councils and staff.

During the storm, Mr. Arnott was actively engaged and was in regular contact with senior staff at
Hydro One and was also in touch with municipal officials. He provided regular updates with the
latest information via Twitter.

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