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10 - Orono Weekly Times Wednesday, December 8, 2010 O'TOOLE Continued from pg 2 2011 to 2016. Businesses are facing lost productivity and lost efficiency because of the Highway 407 delays. Completing just half the highway was never addressed in the Environmental Assessment process. I would like to thank Rosemary McConkey for her leadership in the protest at Queen's Park, and indeed all citizens, and municipal councils for their advocacy. I urge Premier McGuinty to consider the future and have a plan that matches our infrastructure needs. Minister Can't Defend Wind Turbine Setbacks In Question Period last week, Ontario's Energy Minister was unable to defend the 550-metre setbacks his government established for industrial wind turbines. Many communities are concerned that the setback places the giant turbines too close for the health and safety of nearby homeowners. The minimum setback distances were never part of legislation, which would have been subject to public consultation. Instead, the setback was established behind closed doors. Now it's being imposed on communities from Queen's Park. MPP Sylvia Jones, who raised the question on wind turbine setbacks, has also introduced private member's bill that calls for planning authority over renewable energy projects to be handed back to the municipalities, where it belongs. She pointed out that municipalities ­ not provincial bureaucrats - should have the right to plan and locate renewable energy projects to suit the community. The Official Opposition has also called for a moratorium on industrial wind farms to address the health issues. I, along with MPP Sylvia Jones, have voiced our concerns about the health impacts. Government Announces Social Services Review The McGuinty government has announced an extensive review of Ontario's social services led by Hon. Frances Lankin and Dr. Munir Sheikh. Ms. Lankin is Past President of the United Way of Toronto and a former Minister in Bob Rae's provincial government. Dr. Sheikh is Canada's former Chief Statistician. The Minister of Community and Social Services established an 18month timeframe for the review process, starting in January of 2011. Unfortunately, this means any meaningful reforms from the consultation will be delayed until after the next provincial election. Keep in mind that The Minister has already received recommendations from the Social Assistance Review Advisory Council six months ago. More than 830,000 Ontarians currently receive social assistance benefits either through the Ontario disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works. The Social Services review will look into important issues such as co-operation among federal, provincial and municipal income security programs, and seeking ways to get people into jobs by connecting them with the right education and training. The review will also look at providing security for those who cannot work. I am concerned that society seems to be leaving more and more people behind. A recent report by the Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity said there's little evidence that current retraining programs are meeting expectations. Sadly, these concerns are not new. What is most telling is that the panel will not report for 18 months, which is after the provincial elections. Commissioner Says Conservation Lags Behind In a report submitted to the Ontario Legislature last week, the Environmental Commissioner said the McGuinty government won't achieve even targets for conservation in 2010. One of the recommendations from the Commissioner is that the Ministry of Energy establish a formal evaluation framework for its energy conservation programs and publicly report on program performance annually in the future. The report said, in part: "Public reporting and free information sharing will also help improve the design of conservation programs in Ontario. Many of the lessons learned as to what makes for a successful conservation program will be of value to other parties offering conservation programs." Opposition Leader Tim Hudak said last week that, after missing his own targets for creating jobs, closing coal plants, diverting waste from landfills and conserving energy, it's quite telling that the only goal Dalton McGuinty has achieved has been to grab more money from families by implementing his smart meter tax machines. The McGuinty government will stop taking applications under the Home Energy Savings Program at the end of March. Citizens need more options and incentives to shift their consumptions. Ideas such as increasing the price only after a certain level of electricity consumption would also help to make electricity more affordable. Wider Rules for Police Impounding Vehicles The McGuinty government is introducing a longer list of offences which could lead to drivers having their vehicles impounded. As of December 1, police can impound vehicles for offences such as driving with a suspended licence, having a blood alcohol level over .08, refusing to provide a breath sample or not having a required ignition lock device. At this time of year with office parties and family get-togethers, remember to plan ahead, have a designated driver or take a taxi, but don't drink and drive. Church Directory Reverend Ceri Rees 111 Church St. N. 905-485-5502 orono.uc@rogers.com Orono United Church Sunday, Dec 12 Rev. James Feairs, Minister Newcastle United Church 84 Mill St. S., 905-987-4515 newcastleunitedchurch@bellnet.ca Nursery Care Provided Wheelchair Accessible Service begins at 11:00 a.m. Third Sunday in Advent White Gift Sunday with Sunday School Pagement & Sacrament of Baptism Sunday, December 12 10:30 am Worship, Advent III, Faith in Motion Rotation (5-teen) "Preparing", games, computer & movie Workshops, Pot Luck Lunch Sunday school & Nursery Room Provided. Everyone Welcome! Wheelchair Accessible Welcome New Friends! Anglican Churches Rev. Canon David R. Saunders, CD St. Saviour's - Orono 27 Mill Street · 905-987-2019 9:30 a.m. - Worship, Sunday School Y outh Group · Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday · Morning Prayer - 2nd & 4th Sunday · Coffee and Fellowship to follow New Website: www.stsavioursorono.ca St. George's - Newcastle 250 Mill St. S. · 905-987-2019 8 a.m. - Commumion 11:15 a.m. - Worship , Sunday School Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday · Morning Prayer 2nd & 4th Sunday Coffee and Fellowship to follow Subscriptions make good Christmas gifts. 1 year subscription $40, delivered weekly. Contact Us Today! 905-983-5301 · oronotimes@rogers.com