On the surface I admit to…

On the surface I admit to not being the biggest fan of wind farms, however I recognize they are a significant contributor to clean energy, and a viable solution in the face of rising energy costs. The project itself has contributed to the local economy drawing in local contractors and workers across the County with many spinoff benefits to the local economy as a result. Local matters aside, this project also points to links between Ontario and international business in that Ontario is not necessarily open for business as the PCs have stated. The Ontario government seeks to impose what amounts to severe penalties against WPD AG, the Germany based parent company of White Pines Wind Project, now estimated at approximately $100 million as the regulation denies any claims for compensation related to the project closure and restoration of the property. In a case where a foreign agency has caused significant damage to the local/regional/provincial interests then a vigorous pursuit of removing any ill effect would be warranted. That is not the case with the White Pines. This regulation has every earmark of another revenge regulation against the clean energy cause fostered by the former ON Liberals. Ontarians don't need vengeance legislation that alienates foreign investment sufficient to cause Germany's ambassador to Canada, for example, to become involved in the brouha. Clean energy is cheap energy. With aging nuclear plants, rising prices, & climate change disasters rising, the Ford government should be onside with these green projects. What the PCs shoule not be doing is picking petty fights that may alienate business investment. Cancelling this project is a message to international corporations that Ontario is not open for business. It also sends a message that ON is not interested in protecting green initiatives and the multitude of green jobs it can bring to the province. Why should China, who is aggressively taking on green investment, get the biggest piece of the pie to themselves ON/CAN should be in on this trend, making for a strong economy, and prosperity spearheaded by innovation and creating good jobs. That should be this government's focus, and NOT cancelling the White Pines Project.