Dunnville - Opposition Environment Critic Toby Barrett is asking people to join him in calling for action on an airborne tree terror threatening to tear a swath of destruction through the area ash population.
The Haldimand-Norfolk MPP has initiated a petition - following letters to Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Gerry Ritz, and Provincial Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield - asking for, "financial aid to the affected Municipalities to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer".
"We know of the destruction the Emerald Ash Borer can cause," Barrett asserted. "We have to get out ahead of them to give our trees a fighting chance - this is no time for foot dragging."
Barrett remains concerned that, to this point, the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency has not yet determined a quarantine area to protect tree stands from Emerald Ash Borer, while government has made no indication of movement on financial aid and the province continues to have no concrete plan to combat potential infestation.
“Canada has committed a billion dollars over 10 years to deal with British Columbia’s Mountain Pine Beetle problem,” stated Barrett. “I hope that this commitment fares well for Ontario woodlot owners faced with the impacts of the destructive Emerald Ash Borer.”
Those interested in adding their names in support of Barrett's petition are encouraged to contact Toby's Simcoe office at: 39 Norfolk St. N. -519-428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629. Last year’s Gypsy Moth petition is also available for distribution by interested citizens.
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For more information please
contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629 |
