The NDP called for a health hazard investigation into wells in Chatham Kent that the party says are polluted due to construction at the Samsung North Kent One wind turbine site.
At a presser on Thursday morning, members of two local households spoke about the water quality and urged the government to fix the problem. Water samples on the desk ranged from cloudy grey to ink-black, and independent testing shows the water contains black shale sediment. Black shale can carry heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and uranium. Local residents claim the problem only occurred after Samsung started pile-driving 1,500 steel beams to anchor 34 wind turbines in summer 2017, disturbing the bedrock and the nearby aquifer that serves local wells. Eighteen families say they are affected.
Answering a question from NDP MPP Taras Natyshak, David Zimmer expressed his confidence in the water quality. "The ministry has undertaken a review of water quality data to assure residents the water is safe, and thus far — thus far — the analysis has not shown a connection between water quality and the construction activity."
Natyshak did not take kindly to his response. He brandished a glass of dirty well water and demanded that Zimmer take a drink. "I urge the minister to come over and take a drink of this water. Take a drink of that, take a look at that—."
Natyshak was then warned by Speaker Dave Levac, and eventually escorted from the chamber.
The Society for Energy Professionals has a new name, and is now called the Society for United Professionals. While the union originally represented engineers when it was formed 74 years ago, it has since evolved and now includes lawyers, scientists and supervisors. The 8,000 members work for companies such as Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power and the Legal Aid Society of Ontario. The name change was backed by 81 per cent of members who voted. Turnout was 59.5 per cent.
Congratulations to Lisa MacLeod, who was honoured by Equal Voice on International Women's Day. She was honoured alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by the organization that works toward gender equality in politics.
Interim PC leader Vic Fedeli lauded MacLeod's "powerful" voice.
Congratulations to @MacLeodLisa for being honoured as @EqualVoiceCA's National EVE Award Recipient! Well deserved for her remarkable work on liveable legislatures and Daughters of the Vote. Proud to stand with her in the Ontario PC Caucus. #IWD18 #InternationalWomensDay2018 pic.twitter.com/pE6Cx5Iucy
— Victor Fedeli (@VicFedeliMPP) March 8, 2018
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.