Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey says local residents have no reason to be concerned following the elimination of the office of the environmental commissioner.
Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives announced the closure of Dianne Saxe's office, along with two other government watchdog offices, in Thursday's Fall Economic Statement.
During her time in office, Saxe made urgent calls for action on Chemical Valley air pollution, and made note of the poor air quality levels in the community, and specifically at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
Bailey said he doesn't think the move will adversely affect Sarnia-Lambton.
"That office in particular is going under the auditor general. There's a number of other commissioners that are being removed that will be under either the ombudsman or auditor general," said Bailey. "We've got great people in both departments, so I'm sure that they will look after that."
Saxe worked as an independent officer of the legislature who reported on government progress on climate change, energy and other environmental issues.
Before her office was eliminated Thursday, Saxe told BlackburnNews.com that sulphur dioxide regulations were updated last year, but it's still unclear whether or not the current government will revoke those regulations.
"You've got a huge issue [in Sarnia], and it would be just outrageous after all this work for the government to back away from improving air quality in Sarnia."
Saxe also reiterated the need for a comprehensive study of the impact of industry on the health of area residents.
Bailey said plans are in the works to conduct the study.
"Our minister of the environment has made a commitment to come up with the money to fund that health study in the Sarnia area, to do with Aamjiwnaang and the surrounding community."
Saxe said there is at least better air quality monitoring and reporting going on in Sarnia, which she calls "a small step in the right direction."
