Category Archives: Politics

Barrett: Ministry of Community and Social Services has not established acceptable standards of service

December 7, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

Grasping in a blindfold — image courtesy: http://forwearemany.wordpress.com/

Lack of COMSOC oversight means more wasted tax dollars… …and less for program spending – MPP Barrett QUEEN’S PARK – Ministry of Community and Social Services Critic Toby Barrett is concerned with the Auditor General’s finding that the Ministry continues to allow supportive services agencies to operate without adequate oversight.

“Many of the concerns…of this program 15 years ago have still not been satisfactorily addressed,” Barrett quoted from the Auditor General report during debate in the Legislature. “This has obviously been going on for 15 years, in particular over the last eight years. And as the auditor reports, it will take several years before many of the issues we identify in this report can be effectively addressed. This report from the Auditor General is not good.”

In the 2011 Annual Report Silo Direct Link to Auditor General 2011 Annual Report Website , the Auditor General points to a number of issues with the Minister of Community and Social Services:

* In half the cases reviewed in the audit, agencies didn’t have supporting documentation to adequately show a person’s eligibility or needs. As a result, the agencies couldn’t demonstrate, and the Ministry couldn’t assess, whether the person was receiving the appropriate level of service.

* The Ministry has not established acceptable standards of service, or the necessary processes to properly monitor the quality of services provided.

* Annual funding of agencies is based primarily on what they got in the past rather than what they currently need, something that worsens any funding inequities that may previously have existed. As well, some hourly service costs appeared excessive, and the cost per hour for similar services that agencies were paying varied widely across the province.

* The Ministry does not know how many people are on waiting lists for agency-based supportive services and so cannot reliably assess unmet service needs.

“Without proper oversight, there is a very real possibility that we are sending taxpayers’ money down the drain,” noted Barrett. “During the tough economic times we are enduring it is incumbent on government to ensure that we are getting value for the fewer dollars we have to distribute – more wasted tax dollars means less for the essential programming that Ontario residents have paid for, and less for the services our less fortunate depend upon.”

For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404,
(519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629

Politics

Ontario Green Party: ON must reign in deficit spending

November 30, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

Holding the reigns — Ontario Green Party wants the province to reign in deficit spending

ONTARIO SET TO LOSE ON NDP – CONSERVATIVE HST ALLIANCE Toronto – The NDP-Conservative HST alliance to borrow $350 million is an opportunistic ploy that will reward big energy users – often the wealthiest – and drive up provincial debt.

“Ontario needs to provide help for seniors, low-income families and remote communities. *orig. release date 11/23/11*

The NDP-Conservative alliance does the opposite,” said Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario. “Instead of a regressive tax cut, a better plan would use refundable tax credits or energy rebates to provide targeted relief for folks who need it most.”

Ontario must reign in its deficit spending. The NDP-Conservative proposal will force Ontario to borrow an additional $350 million per year to subsidize home heating bills, on top of the Liberals borrowing $1.2 billion per year to subsidize electricity prices. These subsidies add to Ontario’s $18,000 per-person debt, do not create jobs and do not result in long term energy affordability.

“Ontarians deserve to be rewarded for their efforts to conserve, not be forced to pay big energy users,” said Schreiner. “We need programs that help people save money by saving energy.”

Earlier this year Queen’s Park politicians quietly allowed a popular and successful program that helped people save money by using less energy expire. The Home Energy Savings Program created good, local jobs in Ontario and permanently lowered
energy bills.

The Green Party is calling for a Green Building Program to help tenants, home owners, and businesses save money by using less energy. This program will:

* Save rate-payers money on their utility bills permanently
* Save the province money by reducing the need for costly new generation
* Create good local jobs
* Reduce pollution and preserve our environment

Media Contact:
Becky Smit Cell: 647-830-6486 Office: 416-977-7476
[email protected]

Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

ON Greens – MPP’s Political Games Are Killing Ontario Jobs

November 21, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

Comic courtesy of diberardo.com — Comic courtesy of www.diberardo.com **The Silo encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote

Toronto , ON – The Liberals, NDP and Conservatives are playing shell games with taxpayer money, increasing Ontario’s debt and killing jobs. Green party leader Mike Schreiner has a simple reminder for the political insiders at Queen’s Park: the best solutions for Ontario’s economy are sustainable, low-cost programs that create jobs, eliminate waste and preserve our natural heritage. The Green party recommends three courses of action for the short fall session.

1. STOP REWARDING WASTE: START HELPING PEOPLE SAVE MONEY BY SAVING ENERGY

The NDP and Conservatives propose to borrow $350 million to remove the provincial portion of the HST from home heating bills. At a time when many are calling for more equity, the NDP and Conservatives propose to do the opposite: reward big energy users – the wealthiest 1% – the most. This approach will increase Ontario’s debt – already at $18,000 per person – and is a job creation strategy for Alberta natural gas producers, not for Ontario. With the Liberals already borrowing $1.2 billion per year to subsidize electricity prices, the Green Party is pushing for a responsible program to address the challenge of rising energy prices. A financially sound plan will provide refundable tax credits or energy rebates for low-income families and remote communities. This targets financial relief for those who most need it, and delivers these benefits at a lower cost without encouraging waste. The Green Party is also calling for the restoration of the Home Energy Savings Program to help people save money by using less energy. Providing tax credits or rebates for energy efficient renovations and products will create good, local jobs in Ontario now and permanently lower energy bills.

2. REVISE THE FIT REVIEW PROCESS TO PROTECT LOCAL JOBS

The Liberal’s FIT Program Review is killing jobs and bankrupting local businesses. Though the review was planned, no notice was given that contracts would be frozen for the duration of the FIT review. In fact, the freeze was back-dated to all applications submitted after August 31st – two months before the review was announced. Local entrepeneurs are now facing at least four months of uncertainty, cash-flow issues
and lay-offs. The Green Party is calling on the government to be fair and process submissions before October 31st, and pre-approve new submissions for microFIT and community power projects during the review process at the new lower prices. These simple actions will prevent unnecessary bankruptcies and job losses while moving forward with lower FIT pricing. Our local businesses benefit from a consistent and predictable policy process. The structure of the current review has created unpredictability that is costing Ontario jobs. The Green Party supports a responsible FIT program review and will continue to push the government to lower FIT prices as technology advances.

3. KEEP GOVERNMENT PROMISES TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES, CLEAN WATER AND FARMLAND

Under threat of an election, the Liberals promised to conduct an Environmental Assessment for the Melancthon mega-quarry, and to review the _Aggregate Resources Act_ (_ARA_). The Green Party is committed to standing with local communities to hold the government accountable on these promises, and is demanding that the government proceed with the most rigorous terms of reference for a full Environmental Assessment for the Melancthon mega-quarry. The Green Party is calling on the government to plug the loopholes that allow projects like the mega-quarry to threaten our water and farmland. This requires an immediate revision of the _ARA_ to mandate a full Environmental Assessment for aggregate applications that meet the Ministry of Natural Resource’s definition of a mega quarry. The government must also proceed now with a comprehensive review of the _ARA_. Government has a responsibility to ensure safe communities and to protect our air, water and food sources. Vigilance is required to ensure the government fulfils their promises and responsibilities on the Melancthon mega-quarry.

To set up interviews-media inquiries, please contact Jaymini Bhikha at:
(c) 416-275-8573 (o) 416-977-7476
(e) [email protected] Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Ont. Liberals – Our Province Second Only To California For Foreign Direct Investment

October 27, 2011 The Silo 1 Comment

Today Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid announced that Ontario is partnering with companies for projects that will help create 550 new jobs and protect 1,056 existing jobs for families. The province is supporting company investments which will create new jobs for families, help spur growth and strengthen local economies. These new jobs build upon the 97,700 net new jobs that have already been created in Ontario so far this year alone.

Ontario Helps Create Jobs
McGuinty Government Partners With Companies To Strengthen The Economy
NEWS October 27, 2011

Ontario is partnering with companies for projects that will help create 550 new jobs and protect 1,056 existing jobs for families. The province is supporting company investments which will create new jobs for families, help spur growth and strengthen local economies. These new jobs build upon the 97,700 net new jobs that have already been created in Ontario so far this year alone.
In the face of global economic uncertainty, Ontario continues to provide strong and stable business conditions which are helping companies create jobs with new
investments across the province. Partnering with local businesses and supporting business is part of the McGuinty government’s plan
Silo Direct Link to Ontario Government Budgets Website in moving forward to create and support new and existing jobs across the province.

QUOTES
“The foundation of Ontario’s economy is our skilled workers and innovative companies. Our government will continue its proactive approach to partner with business and industry. We will invest strategically to help companies grow, create jobs and help Ontario progress in this period of economic uncertainty.”
– Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation
QUICK FACTS
* Since October 2003, Ontario has created 524,100 new jobs.

* In 2010, Ontario was named a top destination for foreign direct investment in North America, second only to California. The province attracted a total of 127 Foreign Direct Investment projects, which created more than 11,200 jobs.

* In June of this year, Ontario created more jobs than the rest of Canada and the United States combined.

* KPMG calculates that Ontario has an 11.3 per cent cost advantage for research and development relative to the United States.

* As a result of the tax changes implemented in Ontario, taxes on business investment were cut in half, making Ontario more competitive and encouraging business growth.

LEARN MORE

Read Ontario’s Progress Report 2011
Silo Direct Link to Ontario Governments Progress Report Website Check out government-funded programs and services.

Visit the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation’s Silo Direct Link to Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation Website website for comprehensive economic and trade news, including a toolkit for businesses.
Andrew Block, Minister Duguid’s Office, 416-276-0511
Neil Trotter, Communications Branch, 416-325-6716
Silo Direct Link to Ontario Governments Economy News Website

Disponible en français
NOUVELLES
Ministère du Développement économique et de l’Innovation

L’Ontario contribue à la création d’emplois
Le gouvernement McGuinty fait équipe avec des entreprises pour renforcer l’économie
NOUVELLES Le 27 octobre 2011

L’Ontario fait équipe avec des entreprises en vue de réaliser des projets qui permettront de créer 550 nouveaux emplois et de protéger 1 056 emplois existants
pour les familles. La province aide les entreprises à faire des investissements qui créeront de nouveaux emplois pour les familles, stimuleront la croissance et renforceront les économies locales. Ces nouveaux emplois s’ajoutent aux quelque 97 700 nouveaux emplois nets qui ont déjà été créés en Ontario depuis le début de l’année.
Alors que la situation économique mondiale est incertaine, l’Ontario continue d’offrir aux entreprises un environnement solide et stable qui les aide à créer des
emplois en faisant de nouveaux investissements dans toute la province. Faire équipe avec des entreprises locales et donner du soutien aux entreprises sont
deux éléments du plan du gouvernement McGuinty de créer de nouveaux emplois et de maintenir les emplois existants dans la province.
www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ontariobudgets/2011/index.html
CITATION
« Les travailleurs spécialisés et les entreprises innovantes constituent le fondement de l’économie ontarienne. Notre gouvernement maintiendra sa démarche
proactive en faisant équipe avec les entreprises et l’industrie. Nous ferons des investissements stratégiques pour aider les entreprises à prendre de l’expansion, à
créer des emplois et à contribuer à la croissance de l’Ontario en cette période d’incertitude économique. »

– Brad Duguid, ministre du Développement économique et de l’Innovation

FAITS EN BREF
* Depuis octobre 2003, l’Ontario a créé 524 100 nouveaux emplois.

* En 2010, la province de l’Ontario figurait au deuxième rang des principales destinations pour les investissements directs étrangers en Amérique
du Nord, après la Californie. La province a attiré au total 127 projets d’investissement direct étranger qui ont créé plus de 11 200 emplois.

* En juin, l’Ontario a créé plus d’emplois que le reste du Canada et les États-Unis combinés.

* D’après KPMG, l’Ontario dispose d’un avantage de 11,3 % au niveau des coûts par rapport aux États-Unis en matière de recherche-développement.

* Par suite des modifications fiscales apportées en Ontario, les impôts sur les investissements des entreprises ont été réduits de moitié, ce qui rend la province plus compétitive et favorise la croissance des entreprises.
POUR EN SAVOIR DAVANTAGE
Consultez le Rapport d’étape 2011
http://www.ontario.ca/fr/initiatives/ProgressReport2011/ONT05_039201.html de l’Ontario.
Renseignez-vous sur les programmes et services financés par le gouvernement http://www.ontario.ca/fr/business_program/index.htm destinés aux entreprises
ontariennes.
Visitez le site Web du ministère du Développement économique et de l’Innovation http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/1medt/fr/home_fr.jsp pour obtenir des
nouvelles détaillées sur l’économie et le commerce, ainsi qu’une trousse destinée
aux entreprises.

Andrew Block, bureau du ministre Duguid, 416 276-0511
Neil Trotter, Direction des communications, 416 325-6716
www.ontario.ca/economie-nouvelles

Politics

Things You Find Out After An Election

October 21, 2011 The Silo 1 Comment

Two weeks after the last ballot was cast in the election, we in Ontario learned of approvals for more electricity increases. The same day we also heard we may soon be paying the highest price for electricity in the developed world.
According to energy analyst Parker Gallant, and University of Guelph’s Glenn Fox, the McGuinty government’s wind and solar energy policies will cost about 40 per cent more than their own estimates.
Specifically, Gallant/Fox study states we could see our electricity bills rise 65 per cent by 2015 and 141 per cent by 2030. After first predicting they would hold the line at one per cent, government admitted a few months ago to increases of 46 per cent and 100 per cent!
Why the discrepancy? According to Gallant/Fox, a number of costs were omitted from the government’s green energy estimates. Excluded were costs like inflation, transmitting electricity from wind and solar facilities, the capital cost of turbines and the need for backup generation. For example, the study indicates costs for back-up generation to power up when the wind dies and the sun hides will come in at 9.6 billion instead of the predicted of $1.8 billion.
Rising costs are already taking their toll. Rates have risen by 75 per cent and we see businesses closing, industry heading south, and families struggling to pay the bills. Imagine the impact if the figures in the Gallant-Fox study are borne out. It’s hard to comprehend how businesses and family incomes will be able to afford life when their electricity bills hit the roof. How do businesses compete with those from jurisdictions where energy prices are much lower? How do families pay dramatically increasing energy bills?
The latest indication that we are seeing the Gallant-Fox predictions coming to fruition arrived last week with the post-election announcement through the Ontario Energy Board of an increase in rates. As of November 1st, residential and small business consumers will once again be paying more for their electricity use.
According to the Ontario Energy Board, peak power will cost 10.8 cents a kilowatt hour, while mid- and off-peak power will be 9.2 cents and 6.2 cents a kwh. I recall eight years ago as a government member we locked in electricity rates at 4.3 cents a kwh.

Those costs don’t include the additions of the Harmonized Sales Tax on our electricity bills – not to mention the cost of smart meters themselves. Many of those people and businesses working with smart-metered time of use pricing are unable to “shift” their energy use to “off-peak” times and are therefore hit again with higher cost.
Of course, locally, we know that we have, and continue, to pay the added price of job loss because Mr. McGuinty’s green-at-all-costs obsession. Government’s coal closure directive at Nanticoke OPG will be directly costing our area 400 jobs.
Given the concern – at times outright anger – I heard at the doors and at my office, the continued trend for further hydro increases is worrisome. The fact that we find out the bad news only days after the election raises concern over what further surprises may be in store.
As Opposition, it will be vital for members to work together to hold this government to account on the uncontrollable rise of electricity. For the Silo, Toby Barrett.

Politics

Ontario Green Party Vows To Protect Our Water

October 18, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREEN PARTY LEADER LOOKS AHEAD; COMMITS TO PROMOTING CHANGE DURING MINORITY GOVERNMENT

Toronto – The Green Party of Ontario promises to continue to promote positive change during this minority session of government.
“I am proud of the Green Party’s campaign. The historic gains we made in terms of volunteers, membership and fundraising are accomplishments that build for the future,” said Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario.
“I’m disappointed, but not discouraged by the outcome of the election,” said Schreiner. This election saw the lowest voter turnout in Ontario’s history, and created a minority government.

“We’ve established a solid foundation for the Green Party to grow. The policies articulated in our platform are what Ontario needs, and our organization grows stronger by the day. Unfortunately, vote totals don’t always reflect the strength of a party. I am especially committed to strengthening our democracy by re-engaging the people who didn’t vote this time.”
The Green Party will continue to promote solutions that move the province forward toward a sustainable future for ourselves, our children and future generations. “Our campaign focused on key issues that won’t go away. We will continue to challenge the old parties on tackling tough challenges including local job creation; climate change; access to healthy local food; and responsible government that protects our water, preserves our farmland and puts the needs of our communities ahead of special interests,” says Schreiner.

Contact:

Becky Smit
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 647-830-6486
(o) 416-977-7476
(e) [email protected] Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Ont. Green Party Offers Top 10 List – It’s Easy Being Green

October 4, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GREEN PARTY HITS BACK WITH “IT’S EASY BEING GREEN” CAMPAIGN
Toronto, ON – Today, the Green Party of Ontario launched a campaign to dispel the myth started by Kermit the Frog, that it’s not easy being Green.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to let folks in Ontario know that it actually is easy to be Green,” said Rebecca Harrison, Director of Communications. “We know Kermit the Frog started quite the rumour, but we know that our team continues to grow as our message reaches more and more people across Ontario.”

The Green Party compiled a list of top 10 reasons why it’s easy being Green, and has started a online campaign to promote the reasons that it is easy being green. Ontarians can contribute their own reasons at Silo Direct Link To Green Party It’s Easy Being Green Webpage [1] or on Facebook Silo Direct Link To Green Party Of Ontario Facebook Page

The Green Party of Ontario’s membership has more than doubled this year, and the party is running a full slate of 107 candidates in this election.

TOP 10 REASONS WHY IT’S EASY BEING GREEN

10. We get to answer questions about Kermit the Frog at least once every four years. (More often with a minority government!)
9. There is one party that knows how important healthy local food [3] is for our families and communities.
8. Ontarians are already going green. Whether it’s recycling, buying local food or switching off lights, people in Ontario are already choosing sustainable options. It’s time for Queen’s Park to catch up.
7. Only the Green Party has a plan to reduce taxes on the things we want [4] – income and jobs, and put a price on the things we don’t want – waste, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Birkenstocks are comfortable. Come on – you know they are!
5. The old parties have energy plans that reward energy hogs. The Green Party has a plan that saves you money by saving energy. [5]
4. Only one party is calling for an end to corporate and union political donations [6]. Corporations and unions don’t vote – people do.
3. Everyone likes the underdog! We have to work hard to earn your trust and your vote, which is why our sleeves are rolled up and we’re knocking on doors in communities across Ontario.
2. The words “Local Food”, “Mega-Quarry [7]” and “Climate Change [8]” didn’t cross the lips of the old party Leaders in the televised debate once. You know that debate, the one with no clear winner? (Or new ideas?)
1. Because even one Green MPP can make a difference at Queen’s Park. Look at Elizabeth May, Canada’s first Green MP now sitting in the House of Commons, the first Green MPs in Australia and Great Britain, and the first Green State Government in Germany.

Media Contact:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
(905) 999 – 5479
[email protected]
Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Ont Liberals:Time To Renegotiate 10 Year Accord For Seniors’ Needs

October 1, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

For immediate release

ONTARIO NEEDS AN ONTARIO CHAMPION
Premier Ready To Confront Challenges Ahead

LINDSAY — Only Ontario Liberals can be counted on to stand up for Ontario, Premier Dalton McGuinty told a crowd in Lindsay today.

“When it comes to negotiating with the federal government, we need a strong voice that is willing to stand up for Ontario,” said McGuinty. “We know Tim Hudak won’t go toe-to-toe with Stephen Harper. He’ll simply smile, shrug and do what he’s told — leaving Ontario to pay the price.”

In 2004, the provinces and territories signed a 10-year Health Accord with the federal government that was focused on wait times. That Accord was essential to Ontario’s progress in lowering surgical wait times — because it provided the certainty that was needed for fundamental reforms.

Now, it’s time to negotiate a new 10-year Accord to focus on the needs of seniors. In the next 10 years, 1.6 million Ontarians will turn 65, the traditional retirement age — that’s twice as many people as between 1981 and 1991.

“While Ontario has made significant improvements to health care, we can do even more with a strong federal partner,” said McGuinty. “Sitting down at the table to renegotiate this long-term accord is one of the most important issues awaiting the Premier of Ontario in the years ahead.”

McGuinty was joined at the event by Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock candidate Rick Johnson, whom he praised for his commitment to his community.

“Rick is a tireless advocate for the people of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock and a strong member of our Ontario Liberal team,” McGuinty said. “He’s delivered a Family Health Team as well as a new MRI at Ross Memorial Hospital to provide families with better health care closer to home.”

A Hudak/Harper partnership would mean significant cuts and would take Ontario off track in perilous economic times. The Hudak PCs also have $14 billion in unfunded giveaways and tax cuts that would mean additional cuts to hospitals and schools. The Horwath NDP would take Ontario off track by introducing a crushing $9 billion in job-killing taxes.

“We need someone that will stand up for Ontario,” said Johnson. “Ontario needs an Ontario champion — Ontario needs Dalton McGuinty.”

For further information –

Ontario Liberal Party Media Office:
416 961-3800 ext. 328

Pour diffusion immédiate
Le 30 septembre 2011

L’ONTARIO A BESOIN D’UN CHEF DE FILE QUI PRENNE FAIT ET CAUSE POUR LA PROVINCE
Le premier ministre doit être prêt à relever les défis qui attendent l’Ontario

LINDSAY — Aujourd’hui, devant une foule rassemblée à Lindsay, le premier ministre Dalton McGuinty a déclaré que seuls les Libéraux de l’Ontario étaient en mesure de défendre les intérêts de la province.

« Quand il s’agit de négocier avec le gouvernement fédéral, nous avons besoin d’une voix forte, prête à s’élever pour prendre fait et cause pour l’Ontario », a souligné M. McGuinty. « Nous savons que Tim Hudak ne s’opposera pas à Stephen Harper. Il se contentera de sourire, de hausser les épaules et de faire ce qu’on lui dit de faire — laissant ainsi l’Ontario payer le prix fort. »

En 2004, les provinces et les territoires ont signé un accord décennal pour consolider les soins de santé. Cet accord était notamment axé sur la réduction des temps d’attente, et a joué un rôle essentiel pour faire diminuer les temps d’attente ontariens en matière de chirurgie — il nous a en effet donné les certitudes dont nous avions besoin pour mettre en œuvre des réformes fondamentales.

Aujourd’hui, l’heure est venue de négocier un nouvel accord décennal mettant l’accent sur les besoins des personnes âgées. Dans les dix années à venir, 1,6 million d’Ontariennes et d’Ontariens fêteront leur 65e anniversaire, l’âge où l’on prend généralement sa retraite — cela représente deux fois plus de personnes qu’entre 1981 et 1991.

« Même si l’Ontario a accompli des progrès majeurs dans le domaine des soins de santé, nous pouvons faire encore mieux à condition d’avoir un partenaire fédéral fort », a rappelé M. McGuinty. « S’asseoir à la table des négociations pour discuter des termes de cet accord décennal, voilà l’un des enjeux clés qui attend le premier ministre de l’Ontario dans les années qui viennent. »

Lors de l’événement d’aujourd’hui, Dalton McGuinty a été rejoint par Rick Johnson, le candidat de la circonscription de Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, qu’il a félicité pour son dévouement à servir sa collectivité.

« Rick défend inlassablement les intérêts des résidentes et résidents de Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock, et c’est l’un des acteurs majeurs de l’équipe du Parti libéral de l’Ontario », a déclaré M. McGuinty. « Il a contribué à la mise en place d’une équipe de santé familiale et d’un nouveau système d’IRM à l’Hôpital Ross Memorial, dans l’objectif de fournir aux familles des soins de santé de meilleure qualité, plus près de leur domicile. »

Un partenariat entre M. Hudak et M. Harper se traduirait par des coupures drastiques, ce qui ferait déraper l’Ontario dans un contexte économique périlleux. Le Parti PC de M. Hudak offre des cadeaux et des réductions d’impôt non financés de 14 milliards de dollars, ce qui se traduirait par des coupures drastiques pour les hôpitaux et les écoles. Quant au NPD de Mme Horwath, il compte introduire 9 milliards de dollars sous forme d’impôts destructeurs d’emplois, ce qui risque également de mettre l’Ontario sur la mauvaise voie.

« Nous avons besoin de quelqu’un qui prendra fait et cause pour l’Ontario », a affirmé M. Johnson. « La province a besoin d’un chef de file prêt à se battre pour l’Ontario — l’Ontario a besoin de Dalton McGuinty. »

Renseignements :

Parti libéral de l’Ontario – Relations avec les médias

416 961-3800, poste 328

Politics

Ont. Greens: End Biased School Funding Based On Religion

October 1, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREEN PARTY OF ONTARIO ADDRESSES INEQUITY IN PUBLICLY FUNDED SCHOOLS

TORONTO, ONTARIO – The Green Party of Ontario today called for a Citizen’s Assembly to address the transition to a single school system (French and English), a move which several other provinces have made
over the past decade.

“Greens believe in a fair, equitable, and financially responsible school system that enriches learning for all students. All Ontarian’s fund our school system, and it is government’s job to ensure that the public has a voice in how that money is spent.” said Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner.

Currently both Public and Catholic boards are funded per student from the same public fund. Canada ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on May 19th, 1976, with the consent of all provinces, including Ontario. In November 1999 and again in November 2005 the same committee censured Canada again for failing to ‘adopt steps in order to eliminate discrimination on the basis of religion in the funding of schools in Ontario.’

“Our current system operates under a constitutional privilege that dates back to when women were not permitted to vote,” explains Justin Trottier, Green Party candidate for Parkdale High Park. “Other provinces, like Quebec, have achieved a bilateral agreement with the Federal government to unify their school boards so that no particular faith is being funded by the province.”

Recently the issue of inequality in our school system has been underscored by Catholic school boards openly denying students the freedom to form Gay Straight Alliances to create more inclusive environments for students and staff.

“Ontarians pride themselves on their diversity,” said Toronto Centre candidate and LGBT rights activist Mark Daye.”Our education system needs to reflect that.”

The Green Party of Ontario believes that our education system must be fair, equitable and efficient for all students, teachers and families. The Green Party is the only party with a plan to allow Ontarians to address equality in our school system, by moving towards one publicly funded school system, in French and English.

GREEN MPPS WILL:

* Call for a citizen’s assembly to review moving to one publicly funded French and English school system to study and offer recommendations on the constitutional, procedural and logistical issues relating to a single public school system in Ontario. The citizens assembly will provide an opportunity for all Ontarians to comment on and participate in this important discussion. Citizen input is essential to help determine the best way forward.

FACTS:

* Under the Constitution Act of 1982, Constitutional change in an area of provincial jurisdiction (such as education) can be accomplished through bilateral agreement between the province and the Parliament of Canada alone. Ten post-1982 amendments have been made to the Constitution, five of which concern denomination education rights. Quebec and Newfoundland once had denominational school systems. Both provinces modernized their school systems in the 1990s.

* Ontario’s school boards are publicly funded according to the province’s ‘funding formula’, which is based primarily on student enrolment. Municipal ‘school support’ designations have no effect on the amount of funding a board receives. Catholic taxpayers are not the sole supporters of Catholic schools. All taxpayers support all schools.

* Canada ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on May 19th, 1976, with the consent of all provinces, including Ontario. In November 1999, the United Nations Human Rights Committee found Canada in violation of the equality provisions of that Covenant by virtue of Ontario’s discriminatory school system. In November 2005 the same Committee censured Canada again for failing to ‘adopt steps in order to eliminate discrimination on the basis of religion in the funding of schools in Ontario.’

* Source 2005:
The State party should adopt steps in order to eliminate discrimination on the basis of religion in the funding of schools in Ontario.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
[email protected]
905-999-5479 Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1] [email protected]
[2] Silo Direct Link To Green Party of Ontario Press Page

Politics

Ont. Greens Pledge: Will End Corporate And Union Election Donations

September 29, 2011 The Silo 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Green Party will eliminate corporate and union donations to political parties
Orangeville, Ontario – Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner (Simcoe-Grey) and Deputy Leader Rob Strang (Dufferin-Caledon) announced the Green Party’s plan to reform the Ontario electoral system to ensure that special interests take a back seat to the priorities of Ontarians.

“It takes a lot of money to run a political campaign the likes of the old line parties. Primetime advertising, a fleet of buses emblazoned with their faces – all cost money,” said Schreiner. “This type of extravagant spending has become the norm, making corporate and union donations the lifeblood of the old parties.”
The problem lies in the fact that corporations and unions don’t vote – people do. And when corporations and unions are allowed to donate, the people in them are effectively allowed to exceed the contribution limits of other individuals set by the province.
“With the province facing controversial developments that threaten farmland and clean water like the mega quarry in Melancthon, we need to ensure that the voices of Ontarians are paramount to that of developers,” added Strang.

Corporate and Union donations have been prohibited in democracies around the world including the Federal government in Canada. By ending such donations, the Green Party argues that politicians remove even the appearance of undue influence.

“Politics as usual in Ontario is not working,” concluded Schreiner.
“Only one party has the courage to change the way parties function from the campaign up. That is why we need Green MPPs at Queen’s Park.”

Your Green MPPs will: ● End corporate and union donations to political parties, candidates and campaigns in provincial and municipal elections

Media Contact: Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications Green Party of Ontario 905-999-5479
[email protected] Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1]
http://press.gpo.ca/http://press.gpo.ca/index.php?q=civicrm/mailing/optout&reset=1&jid=153&qid=39207&h=dda107b6bc6ee0b6

Politics

Ont. Green Party: Back-room Collaboration Excluded Us From Televised Debate

September 28, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

GREEN PARTY OF ONTARIO CALLS FOR DEMOCRACY IN PROVINCIAL LEADERS’DEBATE

TORONTO, ONTARIO – Green Party of Ontario Leader, Mike Schreiner, penned an open letter to Ontarians today. Despite public outcry, the Green Party of Ontario was excluded from the provincial leader’s debate.

“I would have welcomed the chance to go head to head with the other Leaders,” says Schreiner. “As a small business owner who grew up on a farm, I know first-hand how to create jobs and responsibly manage our financial and natural resources. Greens are tackling the tough issues with straight talk and sensible, long-term solutions that need to be heard in the debate.”

The Green Party is running a full slate of 107 candidates in every riding in the province in this election. The Green Platform, released before the other parties’, tackles the major challenges facing Ontario today, with a long-term perspective that secures our children’s future.

The Green Party is clearly part of a growing global political movement that has elected officials all over the world – including seats in Germany, Britain, Australia and most recently, in Canada at the federal level with the election of Elizabeth May earlier this year. The Greens in the German state of Baden-Württemberg also formed government earlier this year, a global first.

Irrespective of the consortium’s decision to exclude the Greens in tonight’s debate support has been gaining for their inclusion in this election:

* According to an Ipsos Reid poll released on Monday, September 26, three quarters of Ontarian’s agree that the Mike Schreiner should be included in this year’s Leaders’ Debate.

* People across the political spectrum support fair and inclusive debates – municipal councillors, community leaders and members of all parties have signed a grassroots campaign ‘Mike at the Mic [1]’, started by Dave Meslin, a Toronto community activist.
* TVO has recently announced that Green Party candidates will be included in all of their election debates. This decision was made democratically according to Steve Paiken, “…after seeking input from our production team, [we] realize that the Greens had fully developed, and in some cases, quite different positions from the three mainline parties on a host of other issues as well.”
* Dozens of organizations, including the City of Mississauga, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business have asked for the Green Party’s position on a wide variety of issues.

“The other parties speak about issues that area carefully calculated to gain power,” said Schreiner. “They neglect the real issues facing Ontarians and someone needs to make them answer for that.”
————————-

AN OPEN LETTER TO ONTARIANS

Dear Neighbours,

Tonight (Sept 27, 2011 CP) , many of you will watch the only televised Leaders’ debate in this provincial election.

I would have welcomed the chance to go head to head with these professional politicians. But I am sorry to say that you won’t have a chance to hear from the Green Party during the debate.

Unfortunately, the decision to deny the Green Party a seat at the table for this debate was made by a few non-elected broadcasters meeting in a back-room in collaboration with the three old parties.

I know you were looking forward to hearing a voice that reflects your desire to fix politics as usual.

To make sure Ontario is leader in the twenty-first century global economy, we must make the connection between a healthy environment and a strong economy. We will lower payroll taxes on local businesses to make it cheaper and easier to create good local jobs and lower income taxes so your money can support our local economy. Our plan to put a price on carbon will create jobs, strengthen our economy, balance the budget and reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

We need smart planning that puts clean air, water, land and communities first – instead we have the Liberal’s fair-weather environmentalism where decisions about mega-quarries and gas-plants only come when it’s politically convenient.

The Conservatives want to pull us back into the last century with their energy plans that will kill green energy and borrow billions to build expensive, inflexible new nuclear.

All of the old parties have irresponsible plans that borrow money to subsidize the wasteful use of energy.

The Green Party of Ontario is the only party helping you to save money by saving energy. Our green energy plan starts with low cost solutions that prioritize energy efficiency and conservation. Our plan will create good local jobs across the province and reduce the amount of money the province must spend on new sources of energy.

We are the only party dedicated to making family farming a top priority in this province, so we can all enjoy fresh, affordable food on our tables, today, and in the future.

We are the only party calling for a smart, fair, equitable school board system with a plan to engage citizens in determining the best way forward.

These are tough issues that the Green Party would have raised in the debate. And while the other parties may be too afraid to give us a seat at the table, our voice will not be silenced, nor will it slow our growth. We have policies that will improve your life and our communities today, tomorrow and years from now.

We will continue to reach out to Ontarians face-to-face, as our 107 candidates continue to knock on countless doors to earn your trust, and your vote on Oct 6th. We will continue to listen to you and present solutions to the issues that matter to you.

In my travels across our great province, I have been awed and inspired to see the commitment and dedication of thousands of individuals – people just like you – making their communities a better place.

Please take a moment to check out our platform. It’s time for a better, more sustainable Ontario. It’s time to vote Green so we can work with you to fix politics as usual in Ontario.

Thank you,

Mike Schreiner
Leader of the Green Party of Ontario

Media Contact:

Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications Green Party of Ontario
(c) 905-999-5479
(e) [email protected]
Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1] Silo Direct Link To Ontario Green Party Press Website
[2] [email protected]

Politics

ON Green’s Leader: Liberals Play Politics at Holland Marsh Expense

September 25, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, Ontario – Green Party of Ontario Leader, Mike Schreiner, questions the Liberal’s commitment to communities. On the heels on an announcement to stop a gas plant in another Liberal riding, construction is proceeding with the development in the Holland Marsh.

“For two years the Liberals have stonewalled residents and municipal governments on this gas plant. Yet there is no movement until they needed an announcement to help their campaign in a close race.” said Schreiner. “Do we need elections every 6 months for the Liberals to do the right thing?”

While the Liberals are quick to promote their recent flip flop on the proposed gas plant in Mississauga, they conveniently neglect to mention the gas plant currently going ahead in the Holland Marsh on land that should be protected by Greenbelt legislation.

The Liberals have now cancelled two gas plants in two Liberal held ridings, while the Holland Marsh gas plant, in a Conservative riding, moves forward. Last year, the government stopped a hearing at the Ontario Municipal Board, side-stepped the Planning Act and their own Greenbelt legislation to ensure the plant would move forward.

The Holland Marsh gas-plant is located on an active flood plain, in the Ansnorveldt wetlands, in legislatively-protected designated countryside of the Greenbelt. The Holland Marsh is home to Ontario’s most fertile farmland. The Holland Marsh produces $50M of Ontario’s locally grown food, which is threatened by this development. This site was chosen over less sensitive areas that were available. The plant is opposed by the local community.

“If the Liberals were acting with the environment and local communities as their primary motivation, they would have started with better planning for all gas plants,” added Schreiner. “We need legislation for buffer zones around gas plants to protect the safety our communities.”

Ontario needs Green MPPs at Queen’s Park to put the interests of citizens and communities ahead of partisan politics.

“After 8 years of majority control of this province the Liberals expect Ontarians to trust them to make good on promises in what is shaping up to be a minority government,” said Schreiner. “This desperation is nothing more than an admission that they have misspent their time at Queen’s Park. Green MPP’s at Queen’s Park will ensure decisions start with respect for our farmland, the environment and our communities.”

Rebecca Harrison

Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 905-999-5479
(e) [email protected]

Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1] E-mail Rebecca Harrison
[2] Silo Direct Link To Ontario Green Party Press Website

Politics

A Need To Rethink Health Care

September 23, 2011 The Silo 2 Comments

Amongst all the vital issues of provincial significance that get discussed at this time of year, there is no doubt that health care remains as the number one priority for people in Ontario.

Unfortunately, while health sector spending accounts for about 46 cents of every tax dollar allocated, the size and scope of our health system obscures the most important person: the patient.

All too often, care in Ontario is structured around forms, processes, long lines, and bureaucracy, when it should be built from the patient out.

Over the past eight years, money that should have gone to nurses, emergency rooms, and frontline patient care was instead diverted to salaries and expenses for fancy health care consultants. The lessons learned from the billion dollar e-health boondoggle should not be forgotten.

As Ontario’s Opposition we have watched too long as we pay more and get less in health care services. It’s time for patient-centred reforms that make the patient – not bureaucracies, not administrators – the focus of our health care system.

Tim Hudak has announced plans to grow our investments in health, while instilling the patient centred focus we deserve.

Specifically, we will increase annual investments in health-care by $6.1 billion by the end our first term. At the same time we will introduce a rigorous system of patient satisfaction and health outcome measures including the establishment of wait time guarantees for emergency room visits.

To accomplish our goals we will need to take aim at eliminating fraud and waste in health care and reducing administration.

The Ontario PC plan will target the costly health bureaucracies that take money from direct patient care. We will put a stop to scandals like eHealth and limit health care dollars towards ever-expanding salaries for administrators.

For example, the LHINs are unelected, unaccountable, faceless bureaucracies that the Dalton McGuinty Liberals hide behind whenever there are beds to close, emergency rooms to shut, or nurses to lay off. To date, $300 million health care dollars have been diverted from frontline care to pay for salaries and administration. We will close the LHINs and redirect those dollars to patients.

We continue to advocate bringing more doctors to communities that need them. We will do this by encouraging doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants to work collaboratively. We will increase residency placements for medical students from Ontario who have training outside Canada and want to return home to practice. Locally, the excitement surrounding plans for a new Port Dover Health Centre – ideally building on the success of the Delhi Community Health Centre – will go a long way to attracting and retaining physicians and other health professionals.

Our plan also includes improvements in health care for Ontario seniors with 40,000 long-term care beds – 5,000 new and 35,000 upgraded. And we will give homecare users more dignity, more flexibility and more say in determining where they acquire these important services.

For all we pay in taxes, we should receive the highest quality services in the country. In many cases, it’s not about more money but rather about rethinking and revitalizing the way our services work. We will work to ensure we receive the world class health care services we deserve.

Politics

Ontario Green Party: Concerned Only 7000 Ont. Farmers Under 35 Yrs

September 20, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Green Party Food and Farming Strategy: Better Food, Better Jobs, Better Ontario

Toronto, Ontario – The old parties at Queen’s Park have failed to promote and protect Ontario Farmers. Only the Green Party has championed this issue, calling for an Ontrario Food and Farming Strategy.

“Ontario needs real change at Queen’s Park. The empty rhetoric of the other parties has only led to fewer local farmers and the closure of local food processors,” said Schreiner. “Only a Green MPP will raise this important issue to ensure all Ontarians have access to healthy local food. We will push for accountability and demand
action.”

The Green Party of Ontario is committed to making a healthy food and farming system a provincial priority. The Green Party’s Ontario Food and Farming Strategy supports Ontario farmers, while providing all citizens access to healthy local food within a framework of sustainable, local agriculture.

“Ontario has only 7,000 farmers under the age of 35,” added Schreiner. “Without action on this issue today, Ontario’s food system will crumble.”

It’s time to strengthen our food system so that Ontario can feed itself and others.

The Green Party’s Ontario Food and Farming strategy includes:

* Investing $200 million over four years for a comprehensive healthy school food program.
* Supporting Buy Local campaigns and set targets for government institutions.
* Setting a standard for purchasing forty percent Ontario food for all public institutions.
* Investing $100 million over four years to reward farmers for stewardship practices which provide environmental and societal benefits.
* Establishing an Ontario Food and Farming Policy Council to coordinate planning across ministries and consult diverse stakeholders.
* Investing in rural infrastructure, research and innovation, bio-based product manufacturing, distribution hubs, farmer co-ops, organic and specialty crops.
* Cutting red tape for family farms and local food processors; implement smart regulations that recognize differences in the size of operations.
* Eliminating tax penalties and reduce zoning restrictions to facilitate local, on-farm food enterprises and innovative sources of farm income.
* Improving income stabilization programs so they are more ccessible for family farms, cover a wider range of products and don’t penalize farmers who experience bad years.

For more details on the Green Party’s commitment to supporting farming in Ontario,visit:
Silo Direct Link To Green Party of Ontario Press Site

Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
905-999-5479
[email protected]
Rebecca Harrison Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1] Silo Direct Link to Green Party of Ontario Site
[2] [email protected]

Politics

Ontario Greens Pledge To End One-size-fits-all Family Farm Regulation

September 19, 2011 The Silo 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

GREENS TO END ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL REGULATIONS THAT PUNISH LOCAL BUSINESSES

DUNEDIN, ONTARIO – Today, Green Party of Ontario (GPO) Leader Mike Schreiner joined Neil Metheral, owner of Dunedin’s Metheral Meats, to announce the Green Party’s plan to end the one-size-fits-all regulations that punish local businesses and limits access to local food.

“Local food processors are an essential part of building strong local economies with good local jobs,” said Schreiner. “We must create a level playing field for local food processors and family farms by introducing regulations that recognize the differences in the size and scope of operations.”

The decline of local processing facilities in Ontario makes it difficult for farmers to access higher value markets and to brand local products. The loss of local processors also restricts consumer choice and access to healthy local food.

Over the last decade, governments have written regulations to address health and safety concerns at large operations without consideration of the unique needs of small and medium sized processors. The number of small and medium sized abbatoirs, like Metheral’s, in Ontario has declined by approximately 70% in the last
decade.

“The cost of regulations imposed on processers will most affect the profit for the farmer and the price for the consumer,” said Metheral “With better support we could hire a student to oversee HACCP to assess our quality at a decent wage. In most small plants we can’t keep up with these costs.”

The Metheral’s small Dunedin processing plant was founded in 1991. It is an essential part of the family’s farm – in operation for 8 generations – and the local economy.

As part of the Ontario Food and Farming Strategy, the Green Party will work with the food and agricultural sector, as well as other levels of government, to develop regulations, by-laws and zoning laws appropriate for family farms and farm-based businesses.

“We have to reverse the closure of local food processing facilities since they are essential to building a local sustainable food system,” said Schreiner “We need smart regulations to promote food safety while putting local processors on a level playing field.

According to a 2010 survey conducted by Farmers Feed Cities, an overwhelming 99% of Ontarians agree that farming is important to Ontario’s well-being. It’s time to ensure that local farmers are supported so that all Ontarian’s have access to healthy food grown close to home.

GREEN MPPS WILL:

· End one-size-fits-all regulations for family farms and local food processors

· Implement smart regulations that recognize differences in the size of operations.

· Eliminate tax penalties and reduce zoning restrictions to facilitate local, on-farm food enterprises and innovative sources of farm income.

· Improve income stabilization programs so they are more accessible for family farms, cover a wider range of products and don’t penalize farmers who experience bad years.

For more information on the Green Party’s 5 Point Plan visit: Silo Direct Link To Green Party’s 5 Point Plan

Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
905 999 5479
[email protected]
http://Silo Direct Link to Green Party of Ontario’s Press Site
Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
[1] http://www.gpo.ca/

Politics

Ont. Liberals Pledge To End Great Lakes Runoff – Improve Beaches

September 17, 2011 The Silo 1 Comment

For immediate release

STRENGTHENING PROTECTION FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT
Ontario Liberal Plan Introduces Next Chapter To Keep Our Water Clean

TORONTO – Only Ontario Liberals will protect our air, land and water, Children and Youth Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues Laurel Broten announced today.

“Ontario families care deeply about the safety of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we grow,” Broten said. “Today we’re taking the next step in our Ontario Liberal Plan to safeguard our environment for our children and our grandchildren.”

Ontario Liberals will defend Ontario’s precious water resources for future generations with a Great Lakes Protection Act that will be the next chapter in clean water for Ontario. It will also ensure that Ontario keeps its edge as a world leader in clean-water protection.

It’s a $52 million program that will help:
*Clean up the pollution hot spots identified by scientists, targeting Nipigon Bay, and Peninsula Harbour on Lake Superior, Detroit River, Niagara River, and the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario as the next priorities.
*Better prevent pollution and runoff such as phosphorous from getting into the Great Lakes by working more closely with our regional partners.
*Reconnect Ontarians with the Great Lakes in their communities, by promoting recreational opportunities, improving beaches and supporting community programs.

“Ontario Liberals have been one of the most environmentally progressive and successful governments in North America,” Broten said. “We’re proud today to continue building on our strong record of environmental protection.”

Since 2003, Ontario Liberals have reduced coal-fired electricity by more than 90 per cent – the equivalent of taking 7 million cars off the road. We have reduced pesticides in our waterways by 80 per cent and permanently protected a combined area of greenspace the size of Great Britain. We are also North American leaders for drinking water standards, endangered species legislation and pollution laws.

Under the last PC government, water inspectors were fired and Ontario earned a reputation as one of the worst places in North America for environmental protection. The Hudak PCs would take us backwards – their $14 billion hole would mean deep cuts to environmental protection. The Horwath NDP has turned its back on the environment.
– their priority would be to subsidize gas-guzzlers and they have consistently failed to support our progressive environmental initiatives like the Endangered Species Act, the Far North Act and the cosmetic pesticides ban.

“Protecting our environment is a responsibility we bear towards the next generation,” Broten said. “We – and our children and grandchildren – need the strong, steady environmental stewardship that only Dalton McGuinty can provide as we protect our environment by moving forward, together.”

For further information –
Ontario Liberal Party Media Office:
416 961-3800 ext. 328

Politics

Ont. Green Party Says “Will Use SmartMeters To Put $ In Your Pocket”

September 16, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Green Party Will Use Smart Meters to Put Money in Your Pocket

Toronto, Ontario – Green Party of Ontario Leader, Mike Schreiner announced his party’s commitment to Smart Meter changes that encourage innovative ways for Ontarians to save money by saving energy. Schreiner along with Philip Playfair, the owner of Toronto conservation company Lowfoot, spoke at the home of Barry Martin, a Lowfoot customer.

“The Green Party would use smart meters to save us money, by using them to create a market for conservation,” said Schreiner. “Local entrepreneurs such as Lowfoot have already started businesses that pay people to conserve energy. Energy bureaucrats need to move out of the way to foster innovative ideas like this that reward people for efficiency and conservation.”

The Green Party would develop a Conservation Energy Pool (CEP) to serve as a market for kilowatts saved. The CEP would enable entrepreneurs to develop viable businesses that pay people to save energy verified by available smart meter data.

“Our mission is to generate power plant level generation via energy conservation,” said Playfair. “By engaging Ontarians and providing them with their usage information they can take an active role in conservation.”

The Green Party would end the centralized, command and control conservation programs developed by Ontario Power Authority bureaucrats. The Party’s plan would use existing technology to help individuals and businesses to measure their energy use in order to identify and verify savings.

“Getting involved with Lowfoot was a way to help us learn about conserving. Most of our changes were rudimentary-things,” said Martin. “That said, the social nature, gaming aspect and transparency involved helped us become conscious of our habits in a hurry. We now feel great about lowering our consumption and our costs.”

Your Green MPPs will:

– Develop a market for entrepreneurs to deliver conservation and energy efficient products and programs

– Support innovation and investment to make Ontario a leader in the new Energy Economy

End the command-and-control conservation programs developed by Ontario Power Authority bureaucrats, and empower Local Distribution Companies to develop local programs to meet conservation targets.

About Lowfoot Inc. :
Toronto based, Lowfoot Inc. securely connects to smart meter data and automatically displays the client’s electricity usage. They help manage their client’s electricity, reduce bills and help clients earn rewards for their conservation. They also offer a web based social network of people who are conserving energy, wanting to learn how to conserve energy or are interested in their energy use patterns.

For more information on the Green Party of Ontario’s Energy Plan visit: Silo Direct Link To Green Party Ontario PressSite

Media Contact:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 905-999-5479
(e) [email protected]
Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Links:
——
Silo Direct Link To Alternative Green Party Ontario PressSite

Politics

Ont. Greens Plan – Expanding Combined Heat And Power Projects

September 14, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

London, Ontario–Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner announced the party’s plan to expand combined heat and power (CHP) targets to conserve energy and establish a more efficient power system in Ontario.

“Eliminating waste is essential to increasing efficiency and reducing utility bills,” said Schreiner. “Most large buildings and factories in Ontario use natural gas to provide heat. Instead of allowing waste heat to escape unused, why not use these same molecules to provide two services: heat and electricity?”

CHP plants have an overall energy efficiency of 80-90%, an improvement on the 33% efficiency of a standard nuclear reactor. Because of their very high efficiency, CHP plants provide an affordable and flexible source of base load power. “CHP can be implemented at factories, schools, hospitals, malls and large commercial buildings,” added Schreiner. “Plus CHP has the added bonus of providing secure backup power in case of power outages. Given the efficiency gains and affordability of electricity generated by CHP, we believe the current generation target of an additional 500 MW from CHP is far too low.”

CHP can be and is often implemented as part of a district heating system that provides efficient low-cost heat to multiple buildings. Schreiner made the announcement in London, which is home to one of the longest-running district power systems in the province.

The Green Party energy plan includes:

* Increasing electrical generation targets and capacity factors for Combined Heat and Power.
* Prioritizing grid access for affordable Combined Heat and Power projects.
* Supporting the development of efficient district heating and clean energy recovery projects, which includes amending the Ontario Energy Board Act to allow Ontario’s electric and gas utilities to invest in district energy projects.

Media Contact: Rebecca Harrison Director of Communications Green Party of Ontario (c) 905-999-5479
[email protected]

Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Green Party Leader Schreiner:Our Plan To Create 20,000 Jobs

September 11, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Schreiner announces Green Building Program to create 20,000 good local jobs and reduce energy bills

Guelph, Ontario – Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner announced the Green Party’s plan for a Green Building Program today. A Green Building program will reduce energy bills and create thousands of jobs in the construction and trades sector in communities across the province.

“Only the Green Party will deliver sensible, long-term solutions that create jobs and save us money by saving energy,” said Schreiner. “We will not borrow money, like the old parties, to offer short term subsidies that mostly benefit the biggest energy users.”

The Green Building plan would provide $1.6 B in refundable tax credits for homeowners, tenants and businesses over 4 years to invest in energy efficiency and building retrofits.

“When we decrease our consumption we provide real relief to rising energy costs for all Ontarians,” added energy entrepreneur and Guelph Green Party candidate Steve Dyck who’s own retrofits have helped him invest in his local economy and save money. “Eliminating waste and increasing efficiency will make our province more competitive.”

The Green Building Program would create an estimated 20,000 jobs across the province, according to estimates by Robert Pollin Professor of Economics and Co-Director, Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Heidi Garrett-Peltier PERI Research Fellow entitled Building the Green Economy: Employment Effects of Green Energy Investments for Ontario.

“These investments will create green jobs in communities across Ontario,” added Schreiner, “This is something that cannot be achieved with the short term energy subsidies offered by the other parties.”

Ontario is home to numerous businesses that focus on energy efficiency and conservation products and retrofits.

“The kind of Green Building Program that the Ontario Green Party is proposing will create more jobs, have a positive impact on the environment and take Ontario’s economy into the 21st century,” says Stephen Carpenter President of Enermodal Engineering of Kitchener.

The Green Building Program will:

* Provide $800 million in refundable tax credits for home owners and tenants over four years for investments in energy efficiency and building retrofits. This will include an Electric Hot Water Conservation Program for conversion of electric hot water heaters to solar thermal.

* Provide $800 million in refundable business tax credits over four years for businesses to invest in energy efficiency and building retrofits, making our businesses more efficient and competitive.

* Strengthen energy efficiency standards to ensure new buildings use less energy for heating and cooling by revising the Ontario Building Code.

* Set a minimum EnerGuide Rating of 86 for all new buildings by 2013 and ensure all new homes and buildings are solar-ready so owners have the option of easy and affordable installation of future solar investments.

* Develop a long-term strategic plan to move our homes and buildings towards Zero Net Energy, with a time table to raise Ontario’s minimum legally-binding energy efficiency standards for new homes, buildings, appliances and equipment to help reduce our energy bills.

* Make it easier for Ontarians to obtain information and advice on energy efficiency, conservation and building retrofits.

* Require home energy efficiency audits and make the results available to potential home buyers and renters so people can make informed choices regarding the operating costs of their homes and apartments.

* Work with the banking sector to design a provincial program that facilitates “energy saver” mortgages and loans at preferential rates for homeowners investing in energy efficient retrofits.

* Develop an Ontario wide framework for a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program, as an innovative local government solution to help property owners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements – such as energy efficient boilers, upgraded insulation, new windows, solar installations, etc. – to their homes and businesses.

Press Conference Information:

9:30am Press Conference – Guelph

Mike Schreiner will join Guelph candidate Steve Dyck in making an important announcement about energy savings.
Location: 39 Hearn Ave. Guelph, ON

12:00pm Press Conference – Kitchener

Mike Schreiner announces Green Building Program in Kitchener. Steve Carpenter from Enermodal will attend.
Location: Enermodal, 582 Lancaster St. West, Kitchener, ON

Media Contact:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 905-999-5479
(e) [email protected] Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Ontario Liberals: Too Many Architects Mopping Floors, Driving Taxis

September 10, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

TORONTO – The Ontario Liberal Plan will help highly educated new Canadian citizens get on-the-job training needed to be certified in their chosen profession, Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources in the Ontario Liberal government said today.

“We have too many engineers and architects driving taxis and mopping floors,” Jeffrey said. “We need everyone at their full potential and contributing to our economy, so we can create even more jobs.”
Too often, highly educated new Canadian professionals face barriers gaining the on-the-job training and Canadian work experience they need to become certified in their profession. The new No Skills Left Behind Training Credit would provide a tax credit worth up to $10,000 for business expenses related to on-the-job training for up to one year. It is anticipated the tax credit would help about 1,200 Ontarians annually gain training they need to be recognized in their profession.

This builds on other training programs and tax credits that help Ontarians train for new jobs. For example, workers laid-off during the global recession can be retrained for a second career. The Second Career program has supported over 47,000 Ontarians so far in long-term retraining programs, providing up to $28,000 in direct support for tuition and living expenses. To date, 75 per cent of graduates have found work.

Other programs and training tax credits already available to Ontarians and businesses include:

* Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit – up to $10,000 per year for 4 years to
help with cost of in-school training

* Nursing Graduate Job Guarantee – placed over 10,000 new nurses in jobs so far

* Summer Jobs Strategy – helps 100,000 students gain on-the-job experience

* Targeted Initiative for Older Workers – helps older workers increase their
ability to find and keep a job while the local economy changes

* Small Business Enterprise Centres – helped over 11,500 businesses last
year create over 13,000 jobs
“Ontario’s economy is on track, but we all need to be at our best in order to compete and win,” Greg Sorbara, MPP for Vaughan said. “This is all about making sure no skills are left behind, strengthening our economy and creating even more jobs.”

For further information –

Ontario Liberal Party Media Office:

416 961-3800 ext. 328

Politics

Provincial Green Party Pledge To Stop Mega-Quarry Developments

September 9, 2011 The Silo 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEGA-QUARRY MUST BE STOPPED, SAYS GREEN PARTY

HORNINGS MILLS, ONTARIO – Today, the provincial and federal Green Party joined community members in Melancthon Township in calling for a stop to the proposed mega-quarry. The two Leaders joined candidate Rob Strang for two stops in Hornings Mills and Alliston.

“It’s time to put our water supply, our farmland and our communities first,” said Mike Schreiner, Green Party of Ontario Leader. “The Environmental Assessment for this project is a good first step, but we need to stop this thing altogether and plug the loopholes in the law that allow projects like this to happen.”

Elizabeth May, Leader Green Party of Canada, agrees. “The magnitude of this quarry is unprecedented, and will have significant impact on the surrounding land and water. At the very least, this quarry needs to be subject to a joint federal-provincial review panel,” says May.

In Ontario, a mega quarry as deep as Niagara falls and 1/3 the size of Toronto does not require an environmental assessment. Yet building a barn does. Clearly, there are critical flaws in the rules that are in place to protect our farmland and water supply.

Dufferin-Caledon Green Party Candidate and party critic for the Environment and Natural Resources Rob Strang, added his concerns regarding the length of time before a final decision will be made.

“I urge the government to remember that this is a very stressful time for local residents. They should be protected by laws and regulations that protect Ontario’s farmland, farming communities and our water supply. If elected, I will be tireless in my efforts to ensure that this project does not go ahead, and that we fix the legislation so that communities and farmland aren’t put in jeopardy in the future.”

The Green Party of Ontario is committed to:

· Revising the _Aggregate Resources Act_ to create incentives for more efficient use of aggregates, aggregate recycling and stronger site rehabilitation efforts. Requiring a full Environmental Assessment for aggregate applications that meet the Ministry of Natural Resource’s definition of a mega quarry (currently 150,000,000 tonnes)

· Changing the Ontario Policy Statement to protect Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 farmland. Preservation and protection of our farmland, water resources and natural heritage needs to be a high priority in Ontario.

For more on the Green Party plan please visit: Silo Direct Link To Green Party Website

Rebecca Harrison
Cell: 905-999-5479
Office: 416-977-7476
Toll Free: 888-647-3366
Email: [email protected]

Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Discussing The Inclusion Of The Green Party of Ontario In Ontario Leader’s Debate

September 9, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

Green Party of Ontario (GPO) Leader Mike Schreiner will be joined by Green Party of Canada Leader Elizabeth May to discuss the inclusion of the Green Party of Ontario in the upcoming Leaders’ Debate and the difference one Green MPP can make at Queen’s Park. Both Green Leaders will be available for comment.

WHO: Mike Schreiner, Elizabeth May

WHEN: Friday September 9, 2011

TIME: 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Queen’s Park Media Studio

CONTACT:
Rebecca Harrison
Director of Communications
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 905-999-5479 [1]
(e) [email protected]

Sent from Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Politics

Minister of Agriculture: Ontario Liberal’s Rural Platform Will Mean Progress

September 8, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

“FORWARD. TOGETHER.” ONTARIO LIBERALS LAUNCH RURAL PLATFORM
A Plan To Build A Strong Rural Ontario

ATWOOD — Ontario Liberals’ new rural platform will mean real, measurable progress for rural Ontario families, Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in the Ontario Liberal Government said today.

“What we’ve achieved together with rural Ontarians in the past eight years is nothing short of amazing,” Mitchell said. “Today, we’re supporting rural Ontario and our family farms through Ontario’s first permanent Risk Management Program — the biggest commitment to our farmers in over 25 years. We’re on track. But there is more to do.”

The Ontario Liberal platform for rural Ontario, entitled, “Forward. Together” is a plan to help rural families meet the challenges we face as we emerge from the global recession.
Some of the key elements of the plan for rural Ontario include:

• Improving municipal infrastructure and public services, especially in areas such as municipal drainage infrastructure, continuing to reverse the reckless PC downloads that put our rural communities at risk;
• Continuing to bring more healthy, locally grown food to families through our commitment to promote local foods through key initiatives, such as The Foodland Ontario program, The Ontario Farmers’ Markets Strategy, and ongoing collaboration with Ontario’s retail and food service sectors;
• Increasing support, through our Rural Economic Development Program, for agri-food businesses that have created and kept more than 15,000 jobs and generated nearly $500 million in economic activity across the province;
• Making the Eastern Ontario Development Fund permanent, and creating a new Southwestern Ontario Economic Development Fund to help communities attract the jobs of tomorrow;
• Creating a new Specialist High Skills Major in food processing in all Ontario schools, helping build skills in food and agriculture;
• Supporting supply management in international trade talks and fighting for its place in the Canadian farming community;
• Keeping our commitment to clean energy, that’s creating 50,000 jobs and has already provided opportunities for 20,000 farmers who have applied for MicroFIT contracts — with almost 11,000 already turning on cleaner sources of power like wind and solar.

“These are uncertain times for the global economy. These are challenging times for our rural families. This is our plan to help. This is our way forward, together,” Mitchell said.
The Hudak PCs have a $14 billion hole in their platform — that means downloads and deep cuts that will put our economy, education and health care at risk. The Horwath NDP would introduce a crushing $9 billion in taxes on our job creating businesses. The opposition would create chaos and conflict at a time when Ontario needs certainty.

The full rural platform is available at theontarioway.ca

For further information
Ontario Liberal Party Media Office:
416 961-3800 ext. 328

Politics

Ontario’s Hunting, Fishing and Outdoors Heritage

August 20, 2011 The Silo 6 Comments

Toby Barrett, MPP Column Available Ahead of Print Publication
Support our hunting, fishing, outdoors heritage

Gun owners and those concerned with the waste of money should be glad to see the end of the long gun registry – an issue that has long frustrated farmers, hunters and recreational shooters.

Ending the registry was part of the federal Conservative platform. It’s expected legislation to that end will be introduced this fall and will be similar to the Private Member’s Bill voted down jointly by the Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois last year.

I have been a critic of the long gun registry and Bill C-68 since the Chretien Liberals proposed it in the 1990s. I rode the bus to Ottawa with constituents to march on Parliament Hill to protest the then-pending legislation.

Estimates put the amount of money wasted on tracking farmers and duck hunters at more than $2 billion while doing nothing to address criminals. By definition criminals don’t obey the law, so why would they register their guns?

And while the federal gun registry may soon be history, I remain concerned about the potential for a provincial registry.

In Quebec, there is speculation about the provincial government implementing its own registry. And there has been media speculation that Premier McGuinty might take similar measures.

As Official Opposition we are opposed to any long-gun registry, federal or provincial. Can we trust that Mr. McGuinty will not implement a provincial long gun registry?

By way of contrast, Mr. McGuinty asked the federal government for a handgun ban in 2007. The federal Conservatives denied his request, saying it might do more harm than good. The NDP also support a comprehensive handgun ban.

The other piece of legislation affecting gun owners is Ontario’s Ammunition Regulation Act, of 1994. In 1996, I appeared before the Red Tape Commission arguing to scrap the Ammunition Act – it duplicates federal legislation and is redundant. In addition to support in our riding, I was backed by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Ontario Handgun Association, the National Firearms Association and the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association. Even the province’s Chief Firearms Officer recommended scrapping the bill, with concerns about privacy. Despite the opposition and a petition I helped organize against the legislation, the Ammunition Act remains to this day.

Several years ago, after purchasing a rifle at a Ducks Unlimited fundraiser, I went to a local gun store to pick up shells. The paperwork and list-making required under provincial legislation kept people waiting. The store owner told me his list hadn’t been checked in two years.

Firearms regulations are just one issue facing those who are concerned about our hunting, fishing and outdoors heritage. Last week, I met with the president of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and heard further concerns – including cormorants, about access in the north, the potential spread of Chronic Wasting Disease and the Endangered Species Act. Sadly, many of these issues haven’t been resolved since I was Parliamentary Assistant to MNR 10 years ago.

A new issue the OFAH is concerned about is the red tape facing volunteer-run fish hatcheries. These operations provide nearly half the fish stocked in the province, but in some cases, they have to go through the same environmental approvals as industrial polluters.

It’s time Government supports, not interferes, with our hunting, fishing and outdoors heritage.

Jeff Helsdon
Office of Toby Barrett
519-428-0446
1-800-903-8629
39 Norfolk St. N.
Simcoe, ON
N3Y 3N6
www.tobybarrett.com
Follow Toby on Twitter @ TobyBarrettMPP

Politics

Strenghtening Human Rights In Ontario

August 12, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

McGuinty Government Announces Appointment

Ontario is taking the next step to strengthen the Human Rights System to provide faster, more accessible justice for those who have faced discrimination, and to ensure better protection of the human rights Ontarians cherish.

Andrew Pinto has been appointed to conduct a review of the implementation and effectiveness of changes resulting from amendments to the Human Rights Code that came into effect on June 30, 2008.

Mr. Pinto of Pinto Wray James LLP is a prominent human rights and employment lawyer. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto where he teaches administrative law with a focus on tribunals, agencies, boards and commissions. He is also past chair of the administrative law section of the Ontario Bar Association, and past chair of the equity advisory group of the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Public consultations will be held. This review is expected to be complete by spring 2012. For updates on the status, please visit: Human Rights Review

QUICK FACTS

In June 2008, the Ontario Human Rights system was reformed to include:

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario to offer direct, early access to additional adjudicators with the expertise to fairly resolve discrimination claims.
The new Human Rights Legal Support Centre’s team of lawyers and paralegals provides free assistance throughout Ontario to people who believe they may have faced discrimination.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission to address the underlying causes of discrimination with a strengthened capacity for public education, policy development, research and monitoring.
A commitment to conduct a review of the new system’s progress after an initial three-year period.
Under the new system, parties have direct access to expert adjudicators and more claims are settled before an application needs to be filed at the Tribunal.

LEARN MORE

Terms of Reference

Find out more about human rights in Ontario.

Li Koo, Minister’s Office, 416-326-3266

Brendan Crawley, Communications Branch,

416-326-2210

ontario.ca/attorneygeneral-news

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Goal: Ontario’s Clean Energy Plan To Create 50,000 jobs By 2012

August 9, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

More Jobs For Families In Ontario’s Clean Energy
Economy

McGuinty Government Making Ontario The Place To Be
For Clean Energy

Premier Dalton McGuinty visited the workers who are developing Siemens Canada’s new plant in Tillsonburg today, thanking them for their hard work in helping Ontario become a global leader in clean energy.

Siemens Canada Limited is creating 900 jobs — 300 direct and 600 indirect — in clean technology at this plant, which will build wind turbine blades. The Tillsonburg plant is one of four under Ontario’s revised, enhanced agreement with Samsung that will provide 16,000 clean energy jobs across Ontario.

Ontario is back on track and moving forward in the clean energy economy. Because of the changes we’ve made, together, Ontario has added 20,000 new, high-skills clean energy jobs since 2009.

Building a clean, modern and reliable electricity system is part of the government’s plan to attract clean energy investments and create good jobs in communities across Ontario.

QUOTES

“We’re moving forward together to become number one in North America when it comes to clean energy. Thanks to the hard work of Ontarians, that’s already happening. Ontario’s economy has turned the corner and we’re back on track. We can’t go backwards, now.”

— Premier Dalton McGuinty

“Siemens is building on its strong position in the Ontario wind power market. Our investment in the Tillsonburg blade facility will further enhance our ability to competitively serve our customers, locally, and potentially acrossNorth America.”

— Bill Smith, Senior Vice President, Siemens Canada Limited.

QUICK FACTS

Ontario’s clean energy economy has attracted more than $20 billion in new private-sector investment.
Since 2009, more than 30 businesses have announced they are setting up or expanding plants in Ontario to manufacture parts for the solar and wind industries.
Ontario’s clean energy plan is on track to create 50,000 jobs by the end of 2012.

LEARN MORE

Read more about Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan.

See how Ontario’s Clean Energy Benefit is saving you 10 per cent off your bill.

Premier’s Media Office: 416-314-8975
ontario.ca/premier-news

Politics

Ontario Pledges $1Million To Horn Of Africa

August 2, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

Ontario Pledges $1 Million To Fight Famine

McGuinty
Government Helps Horn Of Africa Humanitarian
Relief Effort

The Ontario government is providing $1 million to help people facing starvation in the hardest hit countries of the Horn of Africa.

Millions of lives are at stake in the region due to a cycle of severe droughts. The UN declared a famine in Somalia on July 20^th — the first time famine has been declared there by the UN in nearly 20 years.

The money from Ontario will support the efforts of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the region.

QUOTE

“To have nothing to eat is a frightening and unimaginable idea for many of us and a sad reality for millions of people in the Horn of Africa. Ontarians come from all over the world and many people have friends and family in the midst of the crisis. Now is the time for us to work together to offer our support and I encourage all Ontarians to help in the relief effort.”

— Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario

QUICK FACTS

The Horn Region of Africa includes the countries of Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti,Uganda and Sudan.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for urgent international efforts to assist in the region. He said the situation is rapidly deteriorating with an estimated 11.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

LEARN MORE

Donate to the Canadian Red Cross.

Premier’s Media
Office: 416-314-8975

ontario.ca/premier-news

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Creating Stability For Clean Energy Projects

August 2, 2011 The Silo Leave a comment

CREATING STABILITY FOR CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS

To maintain momentum and ensure Ontario remains competitive in North America’s emerging clean energy economy, the province is taking a number of actions to make it easier for energy developers and manufacturers to do business in the province.

These changes are part of ongoing efforts to provide stability and create jobs in Ontario’s clean energy sector and protect the health and safety of Ontarians and the environment.

To date more than 20,000 clean energy jobs have been created in Ontario, and the province is on track to create 50,000 by 2012.

Changes to Feed in Tariff (FIT) Contract Terms

A new process is being introduced to help provide stability for developers to move clean energy projects forward. FIT contract holders with projects seeking project financing and a manufacturing partner now have the opportunity to request the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) to waive its termination rights if they meet certain conditions. This means:

Large developers must submit a Domestic Content Plan and have it approved by the OPA by December 31, 2011. As well they must submit evidence of an agreement to purchase equipment by December 31, 2011.

For medium sized projects, a Domestic Content Plan must be submitted by December 31, 2011.

Developers of clean energy programs that do not require Domestic Content plans — hydro, biogas, landfill gas and biomass — may also request that the OPA waive its termination rights.

This will give clean energy developers more stability in planning and more flexibility to obtain financing and place orders for equipment.

Developers still need to obtain regulatory approvals, provide a completed Financing Plan, and documentation related to completed grid impact assessments, as well as pay the required security, before they are able to move to the construction phase.

Improving the Renewable Energy Approval Process

The Renewable Energy Approval (REA) is a single approval that integrates environmental and health and safety matters.
The purpose of the REA is to avoid duplication, set clear, upfront provincial rules and encourage the development of more clean energy projects. The rules ensure all clean energy projects built in Ontario are subject to the same requirements to protect human health and the environment. The province has made a number of improvements to streamline the process even further.

The Ministry of the Environment has reduced the amount of time it takes for the initial screening review of application from 90 days to 40 days by:

Establishing a dedicated REA team focused only on the management and review of REA applications.

Holding over 250 pre-consultation meetings with proponents to ensure awareness of REA requirements. Key documents and resources related to the process are available on a dedicated business website for easy access.

These process improvements will be further enhanced by:

The release of a new Technical Guide to Renewable Energy Approvals to help renewable energy developers meet the requirements of the Renewable Energy Approvals regulation (O. Reg. 359/09).

This will provide clear guidance on how to prepare the required technical and scientific reports as well as conduct more effective consultations with municipalities, the public and Aboriginal communities.

Releasing an aboriginal consultation guide for proponents that has been developed by consulting with technical experts within key First Nations organizations and other ministries. The draft is now posted for broader consultation.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has also introduced a number of steps and new tools to save developers time:

Developing technical guidelines on protection of natural heritage and significant wildlife habitat that provide clear rules for the renewable energy industry.

Delivering intensive training sessions to more than 100 industry environmental consultants on implementing technical guidelines.

Releasing new tools, templates and resources to streamline processes for completing REA approval requirements, including rapid assessment tools for significant wildlife habitat and wetlands.

Focusing staff resources on reviewing and approving Feed-in Tariff projects, resulting approval of over 75 per cent of natural heritage assessments submitted to the ministry.

Establishing a regional team of specialists to focus on the new Bruce to Milton Feed-in-Tariff projects – developers will be contacted by the ministry within three weeks of receiving their FIT contracts to begin the regulatory review process.

In addition, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture considers the review of all REA heritage and archaeological assessment reports as a priority, with the highest focus on those projects with FIT contracts. That’s why the ministry will implement a 60-day service guarantee for written comments on final assessment reports. As well, this June the ministry posted an Information Bulletin on its website; it helps applicants navigate through meeting the cultural heritage requirements of the REA process by clarifying all requirements for proponents and provides a step-by-step outline of the process. This will help ensure applications are completed and improve the quality of self-assessments.

The ministry also:

Released Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists (2011) and associated training for consultant archaeologists.
Is in the process of developing technical guidance for heritage consultants on conducting and preparing heritage assessments

Together these guidance materials will help lead to a more rapid review process.

Changes to Property Tax Treatment of Renewable Energy Facilities

Regulatory amendments are being proposed to Ontario Regulation 282/98 regarding the property tax treatment of renewable energy facilities.

The Assessment Act and Ontario Regulation 282/98 currently provide rules governing the property tax treatment of energy generation facilities; however, in some situations, these rules may not be sufficiently detailed to address issues relating to emerging types of energy installations.

The objective of the proposed regulatory amendments is to provide clarity and certainty to property owners, municipalities and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, and to ensure that property tax does not act as a disincentive to energy generation, particularly small-scale generation by persons who are not ordinarily in the business of generation.

More information

Read more about Ontario’s Green Energy Act.

Read more about the Renewable Energy Approvals Process

Read the Minister of Energy’s Directive to the Ontario Power Authority

Read the Regulatory Registry posting of proposed changes to Property Tax Treatment of Renewable Energy Facilities.

To Learn more about renewable energy in Ontario visit http://www.ontario.ca/renewableenergy

Andrew Block, Minister’s Office, 416-327-6747Paul Gerard, Communications Branch, 416-326-7226

ontario.ca/energy-news

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