Anti-wind turbine activists are taking their message directly to the Liberal leadership convention at the end of this month.
Oppose Belwood Wind Farm Inc. (OBWF) president Janet Vallery said the group is in the process of organizing a rally at the convention, where party members will pick a new premier. The convention is being held at Ryerson’s Mattamy Athletic Centre, at the old Maple Leaf Gardens, from Jan. 25 to 27.
OBWF has opposed industrial wind turbine projects, claiming they present a health hazard to those living in close proximity. The group has also opposed the provincial government’s handling of wind turbine approvals, which has left local municipalities with little input during the process.
“This event is becoming a lightning rod to protest Liberal defilement of rural Ontario,” Vallery said in an email to the Advertiser. “We need to be there.”
Buses are being organized from other parts of rural Ontario, she added.
Vallery said the Liberal candidates have not addressed the issue of Ontario’s troubled economy and the impact turbine development is having.
“We’ll be outside protesting, letting them know they have major problems in all of Ontario,” she added.
Vallery claims the current Liberal government has ignored and persecuted rural Ontario.
“None of the candidates have acknowledged the issues they’ve created in rural Ontario.”
Representatives from the horse racing industry are also expected to protest at the convention. A YouTube video on horse racing is calling on supporters and those working in the industry to show up outside the convention centre to protest on Jan. 25.
The industry is undergoing changes after the Liberal government decided to end the Slots at Racetrack program that provided a portion of slot revenues to the industry. The horse racing industry stands to loose millions in revenue, which could jeopardize some 60,000 jobs.
“We have to have strong representation from rural Ontario,” Vallery said of joining horse industry protesters.
Those interested in joining the turbine protest can contact Vallery at jvallery@everus.ca.
