April 18th, 2015. Photo by Marty ThompsonApril 18th, 2015. Photo by Marty Thompson
Midwestern

Elliott Better Understands Issues After Visit With Anti-Wind Farm Advocate

Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Christine Elliott says she "really got" the wind farm issue after a trip to the region on Saturday.

The Whitby MPP visited the farm of anti-wind advocate Shawn Drennan in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh.

Afterwards, she was joined by Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapice and Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker at a meet-and-greet event in Clifford.

“I thought I understood before I came with Lisa [Thompson] to the Drennan Farm today. I understand what the basic issues are. I see the blight of the landscape, I’m concerned about the health effects, I’m concerned about municipalities not having any rights,” Elliott told around 50 people at the meet-and-greet. “All those things I understood, I thought, but I really got it today.”

Most recently, Drennan went to court over the approval process for wind projects, calling them unconstitutional due to the chance of serious harm to the health of people who live near them. The Drennans, and three other families from the area, ultimately lost the case in Ontario Divisional Court

“I considered myself to be reasonably knowledgeable and I knew there were huge problems with the wind farms,” Elliott says. “I’ve found out there have been several families that have had to relocate and that there are several health concerns too.”

Earlier in the day, Elliott, who is the PC critic for Health and Long-Term Care issues, visited the Kincardine hospital.

“They need help with infrastructure repairs. I know there are many hospitals on the list across Ontario wanting to receive money for repairs, maintenance and enhancements, but I think the Kincardine situation is particularly acute,” says Elliott.

All three PC MPP’s have thrown their support behind Elliott in the leadership race.

A new poll on Tuesday showed the 60-year-old behind Barrie MP Patrick Brown in the race to be the next leader of the PCs.

The race is now down to two candidates after London-area MPP Monte McNaughton dropped out of the leadership race to endorse Brown.

Party members will be permitted to vote for a leader between May 3 and May 7, with the results announced at a convention on May 9.

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