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Liberal leader calls for lake strategy
Despite a $30 million investment in the lake that was made by the federal Conservative government earlier this year, an overall strategy, including specific clean-up targets, has yet to be set. "(The Conservatives) came with a $30 million investment, which is good, but the speed with which they want to use it will take seven years. It's on small projects with no overall plan," said Dion, during a town hall meeting and barbecue for the York- Simcoe federal Liberal riding association in the Holland Marsh area last week. "They don't want to work with the province. We want a plan, and we would work with the province and community." About 200 people attended the meeting, where Dion spoke about a variety of issues, including unemployment, sustainable development and the proposed Green Shift carbon taxation policy. But he was keen to discuss the health of the lake. While Dion applauds the money committed by the federal government, funding is only part of the solution. "Everybody should be involved," he said. "In the last federal government (the Liberals promised) a strong investment for clean water and to fix hot spots. I'm sure the people of the lake will see strong support for clean water in the Liberal platform in the next election." Others say there is little need for a government strategy, since the Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority has been implementing their own policies. Instead, the federal government has been relying on the recommendations of the local organization, said conservation authority chair Virginia Hackson. "Until the Conservative government came along, there was no funding from any party at the federal level," she said. "We've got $30 million, we're working with it as best as possible. Yes, we would love to have bigger projects, and we would like to have it move along quicker. (But) anything we can get is a bonus. "There's a strategy as far as the conservation authority is concerned; we've taken the lead assisting with projects. The federal government has relied on the conservation authority, because we've got the science. In many cases, it makes sense; they're respecting the people who have put years (of research) into the lake." Hackson is glad the lake's health is being debated by federal leaders. "It's recognized how important it is. I don't know that a few years ago, there was the same (federal) recognition," she said. Lake clean-up is part of the overall Liberal environmental strategy, which includes the Green Shift. If elected to govern, the Liberals promise to shift the overall tax structure of the country, by cutting personal and corporate taxes by billions of dollars. Instead, taxes would be levied on greenhouse gas emissions. The money would be invested into renewable energy sources and conservation initiatives, said Dion. "The Green Shift is a plan for tax reform, to take this country into the 21st century," he said. "We start with a tax on our pollution. Conservative York- Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan says the plan would increase fuel prices and cost of living expenses. "Dion's new carbon tax will drive up the cost of gas, electricity and diesel fuel. These higher costs will, in turn, drive up the cost of groceries, household goods and consumer products," said Van Loan. "The tax hike will especially hurt those who can least afford it, including seniors living on fixed incomes and families on tight budgets. York-Simcoe families and businesses need a strong economy, and are counting on lower taxes. A new tax on everything is something our local families and economy cannot afford." But the plan would create thousands of jobs and encourage healthier lifestyle choices, said Dion. "The booming aspect of the world economy is green technology and energy efficiency," he said. "This is a strategy we need to adapt in Canada." |
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