Tim Hudak’s attack on endangered species is misguided and unnecessary

“We can protect both endangered species and farmers,” said Mike Schreiner, GPO leader. “It’s not an either/or.”

“The Liberals are already working to gut protections for endangered species,” Schreiner continued. “Now, the Conservatives want to up the ante with a frontal assault on species and habitat protection. Hudak wants to take Ontario backwards, not forwards.” 

 

The Liberal government has already proposed changes that would weaken protections for endangered species by lowering standards and granting more exemptions to facilitate development. 

 

Mr. Hudak’s attack on species protection appears to be driven by politics, not by science or facts. Mr. Hudak’s claim that “the wood turtle is grinding forestry to a halt in the north” is misleading at best: forestry activities are permitted in regulated wood turtle habitat. Mr. Hudak also asserts that protections for the bobolink is preventing farmers from harvesting their hay. In June 2011, however, the Ministry of Natural Resources granted agricultural operations a three-year exemption from the ESA’s protection provisions for bobolinks. In May 2012, the ministry broadened that exemption.

 

“People are tired of the status quo--politicians that put partisan attacks before an honest discussion of good public policy,” says Schreiner. “Instead of exploiting fear or frustration, let’s have an honest conversation about solutions.”

 

In his remarks at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference where Mr. Hudak made his remarks, Schreiner proposed a more sensible solution:

 

“I believe it is time to recognize that farmers do more than put healthy food on our tables. They are also stewards of our land and waterways, protectors of species and habitat. It is unfair and unsustainable to ask farmers to shoulder this burden alone. All of us, rural and urban, must share in this responsibility by paying farmers for the environmental good and services that we all enjoy.”

Ontario’s (unfair & biased) televised provincial election debate set for Sept. 27

The date when the leaders of Ontario’s three largest political parties will duke it out on television has been announced.
The Ontario TV Debate Consortium, made up of broadcasters CBC, CTV, Global, Sun News Network and TV Ontario, said Friday that the debate will air from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 27.
Consortium spokesperson Jeff Keay said there is no word yet on venue, location or format.
“All I can tell you officially is to expect more announcements shortly,” he said.
The debate will feature Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty, Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.


Source: The Toronto Star

Hudak Health Care

Old Parties Present False Choices on Green Energy

Tory Leader Tim Hudak’s pledge to scrap the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program is a slap in the face to businesses, individuals, First Nations and community groups investing in safe, renewable energy projects. His pledge to cancel energy contracts already in place irresponsibly damages Ontario’s ability to attract investors and new businesses.

Also flawed is Premier Dalton McGuinty’s approach to energy - backroom corporate deals and disrespect for the decision-making authority of municipalities, informed by local citizens. Sensible energy policy should benefit local communities first and ensure an investment climate that is fair, open and transparent.

The Green Party of Ontario puts people and communities first, offering a sensible choice for voters who support a safe, affordable energy future. McGuinty’s special deal for Samsung has meant that local businesses, individuals and community groups cannot access the grid, and Hudak’s short-sighted pledge risks a growing Ontario industry, turning back the clock on energy policy.  Businesses require stability in order to succeed, something the old parties at Queen’s Park seem intent on ignoring.

Mike Schreiner, Leader GPO

Greens will not irresponsibly cancel contracts without a clear understanding of the costs and the effects on business investment and jobs. Green MPPs elected on October 6th will stand up for a sensible energy plan that puts communities first by restoring local decision making, requiring local ownership and ensuring local benefits for energy projects.

A sensible energy plan invests in energy efficiency and conservation as the most cost effective way to provide Ontarians long-term relief from rising energy prices. Conservation programs not only save Ontarians money today, but tomorrow and ten years from now. It’s time to elect Green MPPs who will fight for simple, transparent and fair rules that put communities first.

Hudak & McGuinty: Stop Darlington!