December 2, 2016 Hon. Glen…

December 2, 2016

Hon. Glen Thibeault Minister of Energy

4th Floor, Hearst Block 900 Bay St.

Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E1

Hon. Eric Hoskins

Minister of Health and Long-Term Care 10th Floor, Hepburn Block

80 Grosvenor St.

Toronto, Ontario

M7A 2C4

Dear Ministers,

I am pleased to share with you the enclosed report entitled, Clean Air Ontario co-authored by Bruce Power and the Asthma Society of Canada. The report features updates from Ontario’s 2016 Climate Change Action Plan, along with Bruce Power’s ongoing commitment to providing 30 percent of Ontario’s electricity needs.

Ontario has clearly demonstrated the positive impact of eliminating coal-fired energy. This commitment has provided a significant reduction in the province’s level of harmful GHG emissions, allowing the number of smog days in the GTA to plummet from 48 in 2005 to zero in 2014. A major part of this achievement was made possible through the refurbishment of previously laid-up nuclear reactor units, including four of the units at the Bruce Power site.

The Asthma Society of Canada believes nuclear power will continue to play a critical role in meeting the energy and air quality needs of the province. Taking steps to sustain our nuclear industry helps the effort to slow climate change, and is beneficial to the health and wellness of the people of Ontario.

Cleaner air in the province means improved health for Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens, including those who live with asthma and other breathing issues. According to a 2005 Ministry of Energy report, phasing out coal helps avoid 25,000 emergency room visits, 20,000 hospital admissions and 8.1 minor illness cases, resulting in a financial benefit of $2.6 billion annually.

I appreciate you giving this report and its contents serious consideration. This report is also being provided as a submission to the ongoing Long-Term Energy Plan review process, and as such, will be provided to the Environmental Registry as part of this consultation process.

It is imperative that we meet the growing global demand for electricity in a way that improves quality of life, while protecting the environment. The Asthma Society of Canada is proud to partner with Bruce Power on this report, and cannot emphasize enough the role clean, safe and carbon-free nuclear power plays in improving the lives of Ontario residents.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Foran

President and CEO of the Asthma Society of Canada

CC. Members of Provincial Parliament, Bruce Campbell, President/CEO Legislative Assembly of Ontario IESO



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