When the Liberal government introduced the microFIT program in February 2009 Greens celebrated that Ontario would finally begin building a renewable energy system. Immediately local green energy entrepreneurs and community organizations, such as Ottawa’s 1000 Solar Rooftops, got to work bringing clean energy to Ontario ratepayers.

That progress has been put in jeopardy by the McGuinty government’s on-the-fly decision to change the rate for ground based solar power.

Entrepreneurs, business owners, farmers and others in the green energy sector have been blind-sided by the price reduction. Many have already invested thousands in the expectation the government would follow through on its commitments. Instead the Liberal government slashed prices well in advance of the scheduled pricing review in September 2011.

If the government finds it necessary to review pricing now, then at minimum they should honour their word and stand behind their promised pricing for all current applications. It’s time for Green MPPs at Queen’s Park to help restore confidence and trust in government by challenging the Liberals to fulfill their promises.

As I wrote in my letter to the Ottawa Sun, cutting the FIT rate for ground-solar is a move in the wrong direction. We need to apply pressure to the government to get moving back in the right direction.

I would ask you to sign the MicroFIT Action petition today and encourage your friends and family to do the same. It only took me two minutes from start to finish. Grouped together small actions make a difference!

Sincerely,
Kevin O’Donnell
Ottawa Centre Greens

Opportunities To Get Involved

Opportunity #1: Convention!

The Green Party of Canada convention is fast approaching. The strength of our party depends on the active participation of it’s members – new and old alike. July 22nd is the last day to become a member in order to be able to vote at the convention (or online if you can’t make it to Toronto).  Are you looking for a ride to Toronto or have space for someone who is? Visit our website to coordinate some ride sharing.

Opportunity #2: Volunteer Email List

The monthly newsletter you’re reading right now serves a purpose – but given that it’s sent to over 1,000 people and is a one-way form of communication it’s not the best way to get real on-the-ground work done.  So we’ve created an informal mailing list to make it easier for volunteers to get connected to what we’re doing everyday in Ottawa Centre.  Contact me (kevin@kodonnell.ca) if you’d like to be added – it’s the best way to find out what’s being planned in the near future if you’d like to offer your energy and assistance to help make it happen.

Highlights

Efforts to save Beaver Pond continue
EMC News – A local fight to keep forest lands around the Beaver Pond from being developed received some national attention last week. With more than 200 people gathered on the banks of the picturesque pond last Wednesday, June 23, Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party of Canada, addressed the crowd to offer her support. Read more…

Dalton’s green dance: Goldstein
The more you examine Premier Dalton McGuinty’s “green” energy strategy, the more you come to the conclusion his government is faking it. Making it up as it goes along, often for the sake of political expediency, complete with blatant double standards for urban versus rural Ontario. Read more…

On to Baseline: Western Light Rail consultation begins
The City of Ottawa has begun the Western LRT Corridor Planning and Environmental Assessment project. This project is going to determine the route that light rail will take as it leaves Downtown (at Bayview station) and heads to Baseline Station. While the current Transit Master Plan (TMP) chose the Ottawa River Parkway, this study is going to “wipe the slate clean” and look at all the route options. Anything from the Parkway, Byron Avenue, O-Train cut, Carling Avenue, Churchill, and just about anything else conceivable is on the table for review and investigation. Read more…

Green Leader running as fast as she can for seat in the Commons
Elizabeth May gives her end-of-the-session press conference by cellphone after passing through security at the Vancouver airport, where she is waiting for a flight to Toronto. It is 6 a.m. on Friday. Read more…

Mark Your Calendars

• August 29. We’ll be walking in the Capital Pride Parade again this year and the doors are open to anyone who would like to walk with us.  Last year was a lot of fun and we’re looking forward to doing it again.