For immediate release:
November 28, 2024
Queen’s Park – Last week, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady encouraged constituents to reach out to key cabinet ministers with regard to the MZO at Nanticoke. On the heels of an announcement by the Ministry of Energy and Electrification, Brady is now encouraging constituents to reach out to Minister Stephen Lecce.
Minister Lecce’s email is [email protected]
“I’ve maintained that the Nanticoke Industrial Park is a place for employment not housing,” Brady said. “We must retain good paying jobs and create new ones. Wednesday, Minister Lecce made the announcement that he has asked Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to begin discussions with Indigenous, community, and municipal leaders on three of its existing sites.”
“Looks like the government now has a decision to make. Do they issue an MZO for housing they can build in many other areas of Ontario, or do they move forward with an energy project that will provide more good paying jobs, long-term economic spinoffs, and the certainty Ontario can meet energy demands?” Brady asked.
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), states the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 75 per cent by 2050 – this is equivalent to adding four and a half cities the size of Toronto to the electricity grid.
Brady and Minister Lecce had two productive conversations where they both agreed the community must be consulted to determine support for all types of new energy generation, including nuclear. Brady trusts the Minister will work with the community continuing the long-standing positive working relationship.
Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley was invited to the announcement. “I was pleased to be part of Minister Lecce’s announcement…Haldimand County has the site and the infrastructure to produce new energy generation. The creation of a new fund of up to $50 million for our county, as well as an additional municipal property tax, employment in all sectors makes sense for Haldimand. I look forward to working with all involved to provide this economic development to our county.”
Brady mentioned she was extremely candid with Minister Lecce regarding the development. He understood my concerns with the idea of having a city surrounded by heavy industry, and now the idea of nuclear is in that mix.
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For more information, contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at [email protected] or 519-428-0446