RUNCIMAN, BAIRD TAKE MINISTER AT HER WORD

TORONTO _ MPPs Bob Runciman of Leeds-Grenville and John Baird of Nepean-Carleton and Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of the Environment all have something in common – they agree the water protection regulations contained in Regulation 170-03 are seriously flawed and need a major overall.

After question period in the Ontario Legislature Wednesday, Runciman said according to Minister Dombrowsky’s response to his question and a supplementary by Baird, they all agree that overhauling Regulation 170-03 is imperative to preserve rural businesses, recreational facilities, churches and community halls.

“We are going to hold the Minister and her government to their commitment to revise Regulation 170-03 to reflect the realities of rural life in Ontario,” said Runciman.

In his question, Runciman said the cost of complying with the current regulation would be an unreasonable hardship on churches, community halls, campgrounds, and businesses.

Baird also pointed out the consequential effects the regulation will have in rural areas and asked the minister to commit to providing financial assistance to help these people comply.

“The Minister was pretty definite her government is prepared to make necessarychanges to the Regulations and despite her government’s record on promises, we are prepared to accept her word,” said Runciman. “Our caucus will do everything possible to make sure she follows through with this promise.”

Media Contact:
Bob Runciman
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