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Schreiner to table Guelph drinking water protection as first-ever Green legislation in Ontario

Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner to introduced proposed legislation to protect an important drinking water source in Guelph
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Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner. Tony Saxon/GuelphToday file photo

Guelph’s MPP says it was important for him to bring protection of a local water source as his first private member’s bill at Queen’s Park.

On Wednesday, Guelph MPP and Green Party leader Mike Schreiner will stand in the Ontario Legislature to introduce his first private member’s bill to protect the Paris Galt Moraine, a significant source of drinking water for Guelph.

“I have been working on various campaigns to protect Guelph’s water for more than five years now and I have put a lot of work into supporting city council and the mayor and past councils protecting Guelph’s water, citizen’s groups,” said Schreiner by phone on Tuesday.

“It just seemed to me to be appropriate that my first private members bill would be about protecting our water.”

The proposed legislation is not just a first for Schreiner as an MPP, it’s also a first for the Green Party of Ontario. Schreiner was elected as the first Green MPP in June’s provincial election.

“It’s a piece of legislation that reflects the work I have done, reflects the issues I campaigned on that are important to my constituents in Guelph and across the province,” said Schreiner.

The proposed legislation is modelled after the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, which was passed in 2001 under a previous Conservative government.

Schreiner is hoping it will pass first reading, after which he will lobby all parties to support it in second reading to have it sent to the committee stage.

“I am trying to reach out to Liberals, NDP and Conservatives to get their support and talk about how this bill is something they can get behind,” said Schreiner.

If it passes committee, the proposed bill faces a Report to the House and is ordered for a third reading. If carried, the bill is passed and will receive royal ascent.

“Whether it ultimately passes third reading or not, I think it sends an important message about how big of an issue this is and how important an issue protecting water is for people in our region,” said Schreiner. 

Schreiner said he has looked to Green members in other provinces who have had success in passing legislation, as well as speaking to Ontario MPPs in other parties who have passed their own private member’s bill.

“I am definitely trying to learn from other Green MLAs in different parts of the country, but I have also talked to other members here who have been successful in getting private members bills passed, looking for advice on what is the best strategy, how can I give myself the best opportunity for success,” said Schreiner.

Modelling the proposed legislation after a bill passed by a previous Progressive Conservative government is one of those strategies.

Schreiner said protecting water sources makes strong fiscal sense.

“As our population continues to grow, as there is more competition for access to water, we need to make sure we engage in development that is responsible and looks at cumulative impacts to make sure we protect both the quality and quantity of water that is available as public drinking water,” he said. “I feel like it’s an issue that appeals to more fiscal conservatives because if we protect our water now, we save all of the money that would need to be invested in water infrastructure.”

Schreiner said it is important to note his proposed legislation does not prohibit development.

“The bill basically says we need to have a development plan in place that looks at things like the impact of cumulative water taking, that we make sure we protect the ecological and hydrological integrity of the area, that the development happens in a responsible way that makes sure we protect water for our kids and grand kids and future generations,” said Schreiner.

On occassion, Schreiner has voted in favour of Conservative legislation at Queen's Park, including allowing private businesses to sell recreational cannabis.

He said he approaches each vote in the Ontario legislature with his Guelph constituents in mind.

“I really prioritize the issues I campaigned on and the issues I think people voted for," said Schreiner.

“I campaigned on privatized sales of cannabis, so I voted with the government on that," said Schreiner. "I thought there were flaws in their legislation and I certainly would have written the legislation differently, but I felt it was close enough to what I campaigned on that it would have been hypocritical of me not to vote with the government.”

The Green Party leader said he is expecting a bus load of supporters to travel to Queen’s Park on Wednesday for the introduction of the proposed legislation.

“I am just hoping that members of the government caucus and the other two opposition parties listen to that and it passes first reading,” said Schreiner.


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Kenneth Armstrong

About the Author: Kenneth Armstrong

Kenneth Armstrong is a news reporter and photojournalist who regularly covers municipal government, business and politics and photographs events, sports and features.
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