I rise in the House today to talk about the protection in my riding of our most precious resource – water.

Since 1978, concerns have continued to be raised about the proposed landfill at Site 41 in Tiny Township. Site 41 lies in the middle of a rich agricultural area, a few feet above two aquifers.

Like many of my constituents, I am gravely concerned that the development of Site 41 as a landfill could result in groundwater contamination.

I understand that the Environmental Assessment Board in 1989 turned down Site 41, but the following year, the Liberal government of the day reversed this decision by Order-in-Council. Because Minister’s approval was granted on February 2, 1995 when the NDP government was in power, final approval for this site now lies with Ministry staff at the Director level.

However, on November 14, Environment Minister Dombrowsky announced the creation of two expert advisory committees on protecting water sources. And just yesterday, Minister Dombrowsky stood up in this House and promised legislation – and I quote from Hansard – “to ensure that our source water is protected”.

In light of these actions, I fully expect Minister Dombrowsky to place a moratorium on the development of Site 41 until the new advisory committees have reported back to government and the new legislation is passed.

If and before it is developed, my constituents and I will accept nothing less than a 100 percent assurance from the Minister that there will NEVER be any groundwater contamination at Site 41.

Contacts:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)