September 20, 2006

The attendees introduced themselves.  Mark Rudolph introduced Minister Laurel Broten.

Minister Broten thanked all of those in attendance for supporting Ted and his work to protect the environment.  Minister Broten stated that she relies on grassroots advisory groups to provide valuable input to the Province of Ontario.  She encourages all Ontarians to raise their voices to support Ontario’s initiatives.

Minister Broten stated that she encourages all Ministries to work with her Ministry on environmental issues.  Currently, the Clean Water Act is going to 3rd reading.  This act is based on the O’Connor Inquiry and focuses on watershed mapping and planning.  The Province of Ontario is providing 120 million over the next 5 years.  When mapping is completed, then municipalities will be given the tools to fix any existing water problems.  Recently, the government held community hearings and gathered suggestions for possible amendments to the Act.  The Clean Water Act will provide more water inspectors, more training for water inspectors, and more testing stations.

Electricity and power generation is also a key issue in the province.  The Ministry of Environment is very committed to phasing out the coal plants which are the greatest source of smog.  The focus is now on renewable energy programs including wind and water power.

Minister Broten addressed the waste management concerns that continually affect the provinces.  Recycling is still key to solving the waste problem and the Minister stated that there is still the goal of 80% recycled material and only 20% to landfill.  Provincial initiatives include working with manufacturers to eliminate excess packaging, encourage the use of recyclable materials and implementing a deposit system for wine and liquor bottles.  Note:  wine and liquor bottle return is key to increased recycling.  Currently, even if these types of bottles are deposited in the blue box system, they are often broken in transit and are then not appropriate for recycling.  That is why the government announced last week…

Minister Broten was more than happy to accept questions from the audience.  Topics covered included the Environmental Assessment Act, and the Greenbelt.  Minister Broten went on to take a question regarding the provinces initiative to provide more nuclear power.  The Minister stated that even though she is not the Minister of Energy, she does work closely with Minister Duncan.  She reminded the group that nuclear power has been with us for a long time and provides a “bridge” until the province has a better energy mix.  By 2025, Ontario will, in fact, have less nuclear power than it does currently.  The province will continue to focus on renewable energy sources.

Other Ministry of the Environment key issues:

• Kyoto: as a government, the province continues to support Kyoto and will continue to pressure the federal government to adhere to it.

• Ethanol: as a government, the province is a leader in increasing ethanol content to 10%.

• Emissions:  the provinces has some of the toughest emissions laws on the books; hybrid car purchase incentives offered by the province.

• Bill 36 (Places To Grow Act) Municipal Affairs and Housing: the Ministry of the Environment will continue to work with municipalities when they are dealing with population growth.

• Cross-boarder Pollution:  Ontario hosted the Shared Air Summit and continue to meet with the USA to discuss key issues including the fact that 50% of Ontario’s pollution comes from south of the boarder.

Ted concluded the meeting with thanks to the Minister.  The Minister appreciated the questions, comments and suggestions.  Her message is that the group continue to lead the way locally to protect the environment and encourage others to more aggressively to reduce consumption and waste.