One year anniversary of CAW/UNIFOR turbine 

We are approaching a dark anniversary of what I believe to a very bad and hurtful declaration pushed into our community by the combined forces of UNIFOR (CAW) and our own provincial government.

8,760 hours (one year) of suffering by members of this community should be considered a serious crime. The evidence is clear and precise. Industrial wind turbines project two levels of noise that effect certain people in a most horrid way. Currently, about 1,800 turbines are built and another 4,900 are planned to eventually total 6,736 turbines ruining rural Ontario. Within two weeks of the CAW turbine starting, 16 complaints had been made and that number kept increasing throughout the summer. If you used just 16 complaints for one turbine and multiply by 6,736 projected turbines, 108,000 Ontario citizens are and will become sick. The reality of actual facts makes this estimate very low.

When you know that Ontario produces more power than needed and the government has no intention of altering future turbine developments, you have to wonder where common sense disappeared to. Cronyism is thriving. One of the first companies to reap the windfall from turbine subsidies is now the president of the Liberal Party of Canada. This may partially explain why the CAW turbine, with no setback distance, was allowed to proceed despite the government’s own 550 m setback rule.

Ontario is finally realizing that the absorbability of money involved to prop this industry up is causing electrical rates to race to new highs. More and more people are caught in this nasty web of government chicanery as they cope with staying warm (not eating) or eating (staying cold). Now we are seeing good citizens donating money to help the poor stay warm. Despite Ontario’s electrical grid having confirmed each day who will supply electricity (nuclear, gas, hydro electric, etc.), they never know if turbines will contribute.

When the wind does blow, turbine produced electricity automatically jumps to the head of the already confirmed power producers. That is why millions of our tax dollars disappear each year. The excess power is being sold at a loss to northern states and Quebec. Isn’t it ironic that New York State is running TV ads telling potential investors that they won’t pay taxes for ten years. Let us celebrate our boundless good will knowing that our tax dollars will undoubtedly take more industry out of Ontario into New York.

Add insult to injury by knowing that less than 3 per cent of our electricity comes from wind, yet 50 per cent of our bill pays for the “McGuilty”/Wynne wind policy. Here is one last punch. In 2004, a kilowatt cost us 4.7 cents. Today we are paying 15 to 22 cents for the same unit of power. This bunch of Liberal impostors has sullied a long held Liberal belief that fiscal responsibility along with change and progress are fundamental.

It is difficult to decide who is the biggest hypocrite in our situation. Under section Solidarity (UNIFOR), their vision states that “the union is shaped by how we treat and care for each other.” Really? On the other hand, Liberal Bill 14 Anti Bullying Act of 2012, subsection 170 states that the legislation “provide instruction on anti bullying prevention.” Really? Do as I say, not as I do.

Council is seriously considering joining a coalition of Ontario communities who are prepared to challenge the ‘noise’ level coming from turbines. Bravo to you. This appears to be a viable step to exercise their rights under the Municipal Act. Sadly two members of our community are moving to another location within the town. Even though their present location has not sold, their suffering dictates this move. Try and imagine being in this tragic scenario.

The bottom line… people are hurting because of a government induced program that has minimal returns but a very high cost to us. I believe CAW/UNIFOR obviously agrees with this program because the turbine is on. I’ve asked MP Ben Lobb why the Green Energy Act is allowed to trump the Charter of Rights and Freedom. This is provincial legislation denying arguably the most important Federal legislation in Canada’s history.

The fight for these victims continues. Get involved. There is always strength in numbers and these people just want to live in peace. A reminder that some of our community members are employed at the Education Centre and they hold no responsibility for bringing this turbine into our back yard. Encourage our Council to join this coalition. It is a light to what has been a very dark tunnel for thousands of Ontario turbine victims.

Wayne McGrath

Port Elgin