Those who would be Premier

The candidates on the Ostrander Point decision

Ontario’s Premier Dalton McGuinty, set the wheels in motion that will see the development of nine industrial wind turbines on pristine Crown Land at Ostrander Point. He will be gone as leader, however, before the first turbine is erected. Seven former cabinet ministers in his government are campaigning to replace him. One of them will become Premier at the end of January.

The Times asked each of the candidates to comment on the decision to approve the Ostrander Point wind turbine project. Would they have made the same decision? Are they satisfied with the way energy has been managed; and what would they do differently?

Just three of the candidates responded to the Times’ questions—Kathleen Wynne, Sandra Pupatello and Charles Sousa.

MORE INPUT REQUIRED
Wynne is the MPP for Don Valley West and has headed the provincial ministries of Education, Transportation and, most recently, Municipal Affairs and Housing and Aboriginal Affairs.

Wynne says municipal leaders must play a greater role in the development of renewable power in their communities.

“There needs to be more input,” said Wynne to the Times. “The ‘willing host’ notion is very important—but has to be balanced with the provincial energy needs. We need to step back and look at projects moving forward.”

BETTER PLANNING NEEDED
Charles Sousa is MPP for Mississauga South, the riding made famous for Dalton McGuinty’s decision to move a controversial natural gas power plant—already partly constructed— to Lambton in southwestern Ontario.

“I have personal experience in dealing with energy projects that were poorly planned and didn’t take local input into account right off the bat,” wrote Sousa in response to the Times’ questions. “That’s why my energy policy will centre on better planning, improving the way we generate and use green energy, and encourage local input.”

SMARTLY BALANCED
Sandra Pupatello—longtime MPP for Windsor West—has served as minister in Dalton McGuinty’s government in portfolios of Education, Social and Community Services, and Economic Development and Trade.

Pupatello sidestepped concerns about Ostrander Point, instead pointing to what she perceives as the success of McGuinty’s energy initiatives.

“The Green Energy Act was critical in putting Ontario on the world map as a thought and action leader in Renewable Energy,” wrote Pupatello in response to the Times’ questions. “Our commitment to phase out coal-fired energy generation was smartly balanced with our commitment to replace it with sustainable, renewable, clean sources of energy. As a result, the province secured some globally significant and lasting investments in manufacturing and new generation.”

Kathleen Wynne is uneasy about the quality of information fuelling the renewable energy debate.

“Where is the evidence and science in making these decisions?” asks Wynne. “I’m not sure there are conclusive arguments on either side of these issues—whether it’s health issues or environmental issues. I want to make sure we are operating on the best evidence possible.”

Wynne is aware her party has work to do to mend fences in some parts of Ontario.

“Wherever there is disillusionment with the process—we all have a problem. I have felt that, to a certain extent in rural and northern Ontario. It is one of the reasons that I have made it my business to travel the province and get to know people. I have good working relationships around the province— and that is not going to change.”

Charles Sousa saays his party must do a better job of listening.

“We need to listen to local communities,” wrote Sousa. “Communities must have a voice in local energy planning, and decisions by local council must be respected. Consideration must be given to the proximity of surrounding communities and the impact to the local environment when siting wind farms, gas plants and other generators.”

But Pupatello suggests Ontario must look outward— to get better value for its renewable energy investment

“Future revisions of the FIT Program need to focus on best global practices in procurement,” said Pupatello, “with specific attention on getting the best prices as well as planning for matching generation contracts with local needs and preferences. The costs of generating electricity from renewables will improve dramatically in the next few years—Ontario needs to ensure that it is positioned to take advantage of efficiencies we helped to create with our leadership in energy programming.”

Liberal leadership candidates Glen Murray, Gerard Kennedy, Harider Takhar and Eric Hoskins declined to comment on the Ostrander Point wind development despite several requests by the Times.