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Hardeman Is Standing By His Message

Ernie Hardeman (Submitted)

A private members bill that would give municipalities the right to deny landfills has been reintroduced.

OXFORD COUNTY - The MPP for Oxford County has reintroduced his private members bill: Respecting Municipal Authority Over Landfilling Sites Act.

Ernie Hardeman's bill would give municipalities a say on where landfills are located and would for example allow Oxford County the right to deny a proposed mega dump near Ingersoll. Hardeman would need to gather support from members of the Liberal party to get his bill passed. 

"With the right message it is not impossible to do and I believe this bill has that right message, their is a lot of people involved in it that support it." 

Hardeman says he has been bringing up this issue in the legislature for several years. 

"I've often raised concerns in this legislature about a landfill proposal in Beachville on fractured limestone near the Thames River and close to one of the Town of Ingersoll's main wells, which would put our water at risk. Today as we celebrate World Water Day I want to remind the government of the importance of protecting our ground water and ensuring that our drinking water is not put at risk."

Hardeman says it would be great to have 

"Currently, waste companies only need approval from the Ministry of Environment, but I believe municipalities should have a real say in the future of their community. I understand the significant impact a landfill can have on a community and believe that residents should be able to say yes or no to a landfill proposal, rather than having one forced upon them by the provincial government."

Right now second reading of the bill would not happen before the election, which means Hardeman would have to reintroduce it again after the election, assuming he is re-elected. However Hardeman is trying to switch with one of his colleagues so his private members bill can be debated before the Government breaks for the election. 

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