Tag Archives: Gord Miller

Earth

Greens call for ban on logging in Algonquin Provincial Park- over 65% open to logging

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Queen's Park - Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling for a ban on logging in Algonquin Park. image courtesy of Bing
Queen’s Park – Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling for a ban on logging in Algonquin Park. image courtesy of Bing
“People are outraged when they learn that the Liberals are failing to protect one of the province’s Crown Jewels – Algonquin Park,” says Schreiner. “It’s time to phase out logging in Algonquin now.”
According to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s (ECO) Annual Report released recently at Queen’s Park, the ecological integrity of the park is threatened. Over 65% of Algonquin is open to logging. [The Report also mentions the use of bee-killing pesticides at Algonquin CP]
“The Liberals have a choice: stop the logging or be honest with people that Algonquin is not really a provincial park with basic environmental protections,” says Schreiner.
 Ontario Environmental Commissioner Report
The Green Party is calling for a ban now in order to provide forestry companies time to economically phase out logging in the park over the next decade. The ECO suggests there is adequate lumber supply in the region to keep companies in business while protecting the integrity of the park.
“Like many parents, one of the highlights of my summer was paddling in Algonquin with my daughter. I’m not going to let the status quo politics at Queen’s Park prevent my daughter from enjoying the park with my grandkids,” says Schreiner. “Algonquin is worth fighting to protect.”
The government recently reduced the area of the park open to logging, but almost two-thirds of Algonquin is still potentially open to timber harvesting.
The government recently reduced the area of the park open to logging, but almost two-thirds of Algonquin is still potentially open to timber harvesting.
Historical logging and planking of Algonquin timber in the "Age of Wood"- harvested log planks being shipped to distant ports
Historical logging and planking of Algonquin timber in the “Age of Wood”- harvested log planks being shipped to distant ports
Politics

Ontario Greens say government failing in climate change driven water protection and conservation

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Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller. The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario is the province’s independent environmental watchdog. Appointed by the Legislative Assembly, the ECO is tasked with monitoring and reporting on compliance with the Environmental Bill of Rights, and the government’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in achieving greater energy conservation in Ontario.

Queen’s Park – The McGuinty Liberals have consistently failed to deliver simple policies and programs to protect and conserve our environment. These failures negatively affect our economy, communities and well being.

A [Sept 25,2012] report from the Environment Commissioner of Ontario cites many examples of how the government has failed to provide adequate water protection programs, monitor wild life populations and protect public health from industrial dust pollution. Ontario needs water protection and conservation programs to deal with the more extreme weather events caused by climate change.

We saw the importance of this first hand with this summer’s drought. Not having proper water supply affects our ability to grow food, our health and the productivity of industry.

The government’s failure to invest a relatively small amount in monitoring wildlife threatens forestry, one of Ontario’s most important industries. It is short sighted and irresponsible to not have a functioning wildlife monitoring program in place.

The government’s failure to provide responsible environmental protection directly affects our health. One of the most obvious examples is the government’s inaction on complaints related to industrial dust pollution. Ontario can do better. We must do better. Getting back in touch with environmental issues is important for our health, economy and quality of life. For the Silo by the Green Party of Ontario

Supplemental- http://www.eco.on.ca/ 

 

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