Food and Water First
Food Water FirstSummit on Aggregate Reform
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- Published on Thursday, 21 March 2019 14:15
- Hits: 2068
The Ontario government has introduced another threat to moraines, water protection and perhaps the Green Belt.
John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests is holding a "Summit"on Aggregate Reform , March 29, 2019 in Caledon, with Industry Partners, Municipal and Indigenous Leaders.
The location has not been disclosed nor have stakeholders been invited.
The Ontario Sand Stone and Gravel Association (OSSGA) have put forward their plan called, “Untangling Red Tape: Helping Make Ontario Open For Business”. The Red Tape Submission in PDF format.
The OSSGA report includes recommendations to either remove aggregate land use decisions from the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) or that the government should even reconsider the requirement for the NEC itself.
The OSSGA report also suggests there is no need to protect the habitat of species at risk because the species may be harmed by factors other than a loss of habitat.
It would appear the OSSGA” Untangling Red Tape” document is unbalanced and appears to serve to make the industry more profitable, not reducing red tape.
Please sign the Wellington Water Watchers Petition.
Tell Minister John Yakabuski to open up the Aggregate Summit to all stakeholders, not just the aggregate companies.
Ontario Aggregate Reform Isn't Good News for Farm Lands
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- Published on Thursday, 14 March 2019 18:46
- Hits: 2645
March 13, 2019
The province is set to host a summit on aggregate reform on March 29th and aggregate industry stakeholders are invited.
The chair of the Northern Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce, Karen Wallace says the problem she has with it is that it is going to be a private meeting.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, John Yakabuski says the Progressive Conservatives want to create conditions that will unleash the resource sector’s potential and to work with industry leaders to promote its sustainability.
Wallace says NDACT is concerned that this will cut red tape and allow the aggregate industry to dig up
mines on prime farming land, of which she says there is only 5 per cent left in Canada, with 0.25 per cent here in southern Ontario.
And she says once that’s done, there’s no going back.
Wallace says NDACT doesn’t oppose aggregates and recognizes their need as a raw material making up schools, hospitals and bridges.
MY FM 101.5 Radio
Orangeville Today
Paris Galt Moraine Conservation Act, 2019 Passes 2nd Reading
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- Published on Monday, 11 March 2019 19:57
- Hits: 1994
The Paris Galt Moraine Conservation Act, which would protect the drinking water supply of nearly 200,000 people in the Guelph region, now goes to committee for further debate.
“This day belongs to people in southern Ontario who for decades have stood up to protect drinking water for our children and grandchildren. This is about putting the public good before private interests,” said Mike Schreiner.
On March 7- Help Get the Paris-Galt Moraine Protected
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- Published on Wednesday, 06 March 2019 20:40
- Hits: 2102
Help support the creation of 2019's Bill 71 to create the Paris-Galt Conservation Act
How to help:
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Call Your MPP to tell them you support this bill and ask them to vote YES on March 7th to protect the Paris-Galt Moraine.
and / or
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Come to Queen’s Park on March 7th and help fill the gallery seats with water protectors to send a strong message to the legislature.
When: Thursday, March 7, 2019
Time: 1 - 4 PM
Where: Queen's Park
111Welesley St. W.
Toronto, ON
Did you know?
Moraines perform critical ecological and hydrological functions that are vital for the well-being of our environment and communities. These landforms provide habitat for wildlife, maintain wetlands, streams and rivers, decrease flooding and filter and store drinking water.The Paris Galt Moraine provides and purifies water at no costs to citizens. In a region destined for substantial growth, establishing the conservation act is an opportunity to address water management concerns in a fiscally responsible manner now before the situation becomes dire.
Failing to properly protect the moraine, and in turn preserve the region's source of fresh water, will lead to massive investments in infrastructure to provide water for the region. Furthermore, local business, farmers and industry depend upon this water for local jobs and prosperity.
NDACT's Position on Aggregates
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- Published on Thursday, 28 February 2019 19:57
- Hits: 1668
Melancthon, ON
On February 20, 2019, the Provincial Government issued a news release stating, “We want to work with industry leaders on how we can tear down barriers to create an environment for growth and a sustainable resource sector " said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. Not surprisingly, the announcement was made at the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association's Conference and Annual General Meeting in Toronto.