Once again the Stephen Harper Conservative government has shown it's total lack of understanding and committment to the issue of climate change. The announcement this week that it is no longer going to fund the Canadian Wind Energy Institute at North Cape, Prince Edward Island is another example of the "head in the sand" approach this government takes to anything related to the environment. The Wind Test Site has been operating for 30 years and recognized as a worldwide leader in researching and testing of wind turbine technology. Prince Edward Island's move to increase the amount of electricity it generates from wind is a direct result of the presence and expertise of the this facility.
If the Wind Energy Institute is forced to close because of lack of funding, western Prince Edward Island will suffer a double blow.....not only will it lose this valuable research facility, it will also lose a major tourist attraction. Thousands of people travel up to North Cape every year to see the many different wind turbines on the site, visit the interpretive centre and marvel at the technology. Discussions began recently with the WEI to develop experiential activities at the site to allow visitors more direct access to the Institute and its scientists.
As a tourism operator in Prince Edward Island we regularly send guests to North Cape to see the wind test site....without that facility, fewer tourists will make the journey to that end of the Island and that will affect everyone in that region of the province.
The provncial government announced this week a major initiative aimed at enhancing the presenence of high tech industries in Prince Edward Island. Wind technology figured prominently in that initiative......that is now in jeopardy because of the federal Conserviate government's short sighted policies.
Just when I think Stephen Harper and his bunch can't do anything more to damage this country, they surprise me again.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment