Huron-Bruce MPP disappointed at defeat of motion to keep industrial wind farms out of unwilling communities

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson is disappointed that another Progressive Conservative (PC) motion in the Legislature Thursday, one that called on the government to stop forcing Industrial Wind Turbine developments on unwilling host communities, was defeated in a recorded vote by the Liberals.
 
The motion, which was introduced by Niagara West-Glanbrook MPP Sam Oosterhoff, stated: "In the opinion of this House, the government should place a moratorium on the installation of industrial wind turbines in unwilling host communities in the Province of Ontario."
 
"The Liberals have once again proven that they have no interest in respecting local municipalities and their residents," said Thompson. "Opposing the motion put forward by Oosterhoff shows that they continue to be more concerned with representing the interests of wind companies than they are the people who elected them. It's shameful - 93 municipalities in Ontario have passed resolutions opposing these developments in their areas, including the majority of municipalities in Huron-Bruce, yet they're still being rammed through by this government."
 
At an appearance in Kingston in March, 2016, where renewable energy projects were being discussed, Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne went on record saying, "We never said there was going to be a veto for municipalities ...." Deputy premier Deb Matthews is also on record in Kingston, stating, "The local voice does matter, but we are not prepared to give people a veto."
 
"The Liberals can't have it both ways," said Thompson. "They can't say they value the input of local residents and then vote against a motion like this. Either they feel our voices matter, or they don't. The results of today's vote clearly show that we don't matter to them."