Dresden area MPP absent for vote on controversial legislation in Toronto

Bill 5 passed, but a protest took place shortly after. CTV Windsor’s Michelle Maluske has the latest.

Dresden area MPP Steve Pinsonneault was absent Wednesday from his seat at Queen’s Park when Bill 5 was approved.

Pinsonneault had previously broken with party rank by publicly voicing his opposition to the legislation.

In a post on social media, Pinsonneault said even if he voted against the bill it wouldn’t change the outcome.

Late Wednesday, Liberal and NDP MPP’s tried to persuade more Conservatives to vote against Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act.

Among other things, the bill will exempt York1 Environmental Waste Solutions project on Irish School Road of a comprehensive environmental assessment.

The company says they want to recycle construction materials and non-hazardous soils at the site.

Officials also steadfastly maintain they landfill is existing, not new and they will not be shipping in household garbage.

The province says they need Bill 5 to protect Ontario should the Americans impose tariffs on provincial garbage headed stateside.

Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones voted in favour of the bill Wednesday.