By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Other major environmental players have jumped into fight against Ontario’s plans to circumvent environmental controls with the sweeping powers of Bill 5.
Stefan Premdas, head of the Dresden Citizen’s Against Reckless Environmental Disposal (C.A.R.E.D.) advocacy group, said he took part in a recent province-wide Zoom meeting about Bill 5 that was attended by “hundreds of Ontarians” concerned about the legislation’s threat to the environment.
Orchestrated by LAND (Legal Advocates for Nature’s Defence); Environmental Defence Canada and Eco-Justice Canada, the meeting drew concerns from officials in every corner of the cross regarding the potential impacts of Bill 5.
Premdas said the meeting made him realize Ontarians are onside with Dresden in their battle against a landfill site just north of that community.
“I felt like I was pushing a boulder uphill all year,” Premdas told The Voice of the ongoing fight with York1, the corporation looking to develop the site on Irish School Road. “On the Zoom meeting, I realized the entire province stands with Dresden. That was powerful. I didn’t think that the whole province would be this upset about what (Ontario Premier Doug) Ford is doing to us in Dresden.”
The lack of a direct response from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault on the matter was also raised during the online meeting, Premdas said, noting Pinsonneault was recently appointed as the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Rural Affairs, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response and deputy government whip.
He wonders why Pinsonneault isn’t standing up for Dresden.
“This lack of representation is causing us to go to Queen’s Park ourselves,” Premdas explained. “MPP Pinsonneault’s lack of integrity is being shown with his actions.
“The government needs to know they will not be re-elected if this goes through,” he said. “It will be four years of putting pressure on the province to repeal Bill 5 if it passes.”
Members of Dresden C.A.R.E.D were expected to bring their message to Queen’s Park May 13, where they planned to meet with all three opposition party leaders. The group, also including Walpole Island First Nation Chief Thomas, was to drop off petitions and also try to speak with Pinsonneault and Ford.
As well, concerned citizens are being asked to share their thoughts about the York1 project by way of online submissions to the Environmental Registry of Ontario website. Submissions will be accepted until May 17.
Bill 5, tabled last month in the Ontario Legislature, has passed its second reading. If passed before the Ontario legislature pauses for summer break, it means the York1 project could go ahead this summer.
