Queens Park – Still no help for Canada’s Forest Capital, Norfolk County, and neighbouring Haldimand to deal with the devastation of Ash and Oak trees from the Emerald Ash Borer and Gypsy Moth.
Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield, underlined the fact that the Counties are on their own in dealing with the debilitating effects of the two airborne pests as she responded to questions from MPP Toby Barrett in the Provincial Legislature today.
“Mnister, Emerald Ash Borer has invaded Norfolk County – this year’s Forest Capital of Canada, with 30 per cent forest cover – 25 per cent of that is ash. And gypsy moth is chewing its way through once proud Oak in Haldimand as well as Six Nations and Norfolk,” Barrett reported. “Haldimand and Norfolk woodlot owner associations are desperate to mitigate the destruction - but they’re on their own!
“The Mayor of Norfolk County…has written letters and met with you to request funding. I have written you, and have hundreds of names on petitions requesting “financial aid” to deal with these infestations– yet still nothing. Minister when can Haldimand, Norfolk and other hard-hit areas in Ontario expect you to step up with money to stem the devastation of Emerald Ash Borer and Gypsy Moth?”
The Minister told the house that the Ministry is engaging in 3 pilot projects which they are monitoring for the effectiveness, but ignored the funding request.
In his second question, Barrett spoke over loud objections of government members to highlight the inequity of a government that took in $4.9 billion in unexpected revenue, while slashing MNR funding by $20 million and refusing to help deal with the destruction to area trees.
“You've inherited a proud ministry - a ministry that used to be known as the Department of Lands and Forests,” challenged Barrett. “Minister, there is precedent - your ministry funded gypsy moth control up to 1992. The BC forest service is actively fighting mountain pine beetle.
“Your tax and spend government had an additional $4.9 billion in unplanned revenue this past year, yet you have allowed your ministry to be slashed by $20 million. Minister, when will you redirect some of that unplanned revenue to fight both Gypsy Moths and Emerald Ash Borers?
The Minister responded by pointing to Ottawa, stating that if the federal level provided funding as they have in BC she would be “more than happy” to provide help.
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For more information please contact MPP Barrett at 1-800-903-8629 |
