Hardeman Demands Information on Beachville Air Quality

QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the Ontario Legislature Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford, asked the Minister of Environment to provide results of air quality monitoring and report on what steps his Ministry has taken to address air quality in the Beachville area.

“Minister, will you commit to provide to me within two weeks a full package including the results of the annual site inspections, reviews of industry reports and the steps that have been taken,” said Hardeman. “And will you commit to work with us to ensure our air is safe?”

During the question Hardeman explained that in 2003 the Ministry of Environment release a report entitled “A summary of Air Monitoring in the Beachville Area” which found that air in the area had higher than acceptable particulate levels. It also laid out a plan for monitoring, working with the community and addressing particulate levels.

“Minister, in my letter to you the day you were sworn in I told you we had asked for this information. I have now asked your Ministry three times and haven’t received a response,” said Hardeman during the question. “Minister, can you tell me, and my constituents, what your Ministry has done to ensure their air is safe?”

In response to the question the Minister of Environment asked to meet with Hardeman following question period and committed to investigate what information the Ministry has and can release.

“People in my riding are depending on your Ministry to ensure the air they breathe is safe. It’s not acceptable for the Ministry to simply refuse to provide information on what, if anything, has been done,” said Hardeman during the question.

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For more information, contact:
Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford
(416) 325-1239