February 23, 2007
An Open Letter to Premier McGuinty
re. Need for nuclear consultation
Premier McGuinty:
In August 2005, your Minister of Energy
asked the Mayor of Haldimand about interest in a nuclear plant to be built
locally. Your government’s interest in a Haldimand County nuclear
facility has generated considerable debate throughout my riding of Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant.
Now that, your government has opened
the door to the construction of new nuclear in Ontario and raised the
issue locally, I request your government conduct public information and
consultation meetings at the earliest opportunity.
Locally, in recent months, Haldimand
County council has voted in favour of nuclear and, in my view, in favour
of public debate. Area media also report Stelco has offered land on condition
it be used for nuclear.
While people recognize the economic benefits
locally, there have also been concerns with a nuclear plant on Lake Erie
– concerns about cost, health and safety. As well, in spite of no
Ontario government carbon emissions strategy, people are cognizant of
options – renewable energy, increased efficiency, nuclear, and carbon
sequestration.
Clearly, given the questions this debate
has raised, a public consultation process on the impact of nuclear power
at Nanticoke is long overdue. The precedent you set last summer in bypassing
the environmental consultation process on nuclear energy only underscores
the need for consultation meetings with area people.
Moreover, I am also requesting the government’s
position on nuclear at Nanticoke. More specifically, I am requesting a
breakdown of the facts on two fronts:
- a cost-benefit analysis.
- a risk-benefit analysis.
Further to these requests, I continue
to stress the need for new investment into clean air technology at OPG
Nanticoke in the interim. I see no reason to lose ground while we consider
the implications of a potential nuclear plan that would take approximately
10 years for planning, investment, and construction. I would also encourage
the Minister of Energy to take me up on my invitations to visit OPG Nanticoke
and learn more about the facility and its employees.
Premier McGuinty, people expect and require
the “open and public debate” you promised last June, 2006,
- people require answers, particularly in Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant.
Sincerely,
Toby Barrett, MPP - Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant
cc. key stakeholders
|
