For Immediate Release: Schreiner Joins Residents and Farmers at Rally

SCHREINER JOINS RESIDENTS AND FARMERS AT RALLY TO ESCALATE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT OVER YORK REGION PEAKER PLANT

NEWS
Green Party of Ontario (GPO) Leader Mike Schreiner and Concerned Citizens of King Township joined residents and farmers in the Holland Marsh to rally against the proposed gas generation plant being developed in King Township. Schreiner criticized the Liberal government for circumventing environmental and planning legislation, stomping on local democracy and violating proper process in the decisions on the York Peaker Plant.

Plaintiffs in the legal action against the government announced that they are moving to expedite the legal process. The government’s attempts to delay and dismiss the claim while work has begun on the site prompted the action. The plaintiffs are seeking, among other things, a declaration that the Government has ignored its own legislation, its own promises and its own procurement rules which has served to deny citizens and the municipality the right to have concerns properly aired and addressed.

QUOTES
“The Liberal government’s arrogant disregard for the legitimate concerns of King citizens is wrong. Their actions in circumventing planning and environmental legislation are wrong. We are fighting for what’s right for all Ontarians.”
— Mike Schreiner, Leader, GPO

“We want the government to follow its own laws and proper process. This could happen to any community, and we are standing up for citizens across Ontario.”
— Debbie Schaefer, Concerned Citizens of King Township

“Our family follows strict rules in growing healthy local food for all Ontarians. We are simply asking the government to follow the rules as well.”
— Avia Eek, Holland Marsh farmer

QUICK FACTS
– On July 22, plaintiffs filed legal action against the Ontario government seeking a Judicial Review of the process related to the York Energy Centre.
– The proposed plant is located on an active flood plain, in the Ansnorveldt wetlands, in legislatively protected designated countryside of the Greenbelt.
– The closest elementary school is less than 400 metres from the proposed gas plant.
– King Township has publicly indicated on numerous occasions this site does NOT conform to municipal planning requirements.

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Contact:
Jaymini Bhikha
416-275-8573