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September
2003
Newsletter
Provincial
Elections Affect the Valley
The
October 2nd provincial election could have a profound effect
on the future of Red Hill Valley.
NDP
leader Howard Hampton has been outspoken in his opposition
to the expressway. While the NDP is unlikely to form the
next government in Ontario, there is a distinct possibility
that no party will achieve a majority of the seats and the
NDP will hold the balance of power, and thus the ability
to act on behalf of the valley.
The
Conservatives have not only funded the expressway, but have
also gutted the Niagara Escarpment Commission and other
provincial agencies and ministries that are supposed to
protect the environment. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment,
for example, appears to have completely abdicated its responsibilities
in relation to Red Hill Valley. Almost any change would
be beneficial to the provincial environment.
The
Liberals are promising to protect urban greenspace and fight
sprawl, but their leader Dalton McGuinty supports the expressway.
One of their local candidates, MPP Ted McMeekin, has called
for a new environmental assessment of the project.
Local
Green Party candidates are also opposing the expressway.
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