Despite decades of scientific research throughout the world, there has been no definitive link made between properly sited wind turbines and ill health. Since 1996, over 50 studies conducted by third party scientists and researchers in Ontario, the United States and Europe have examined the specific impact of wind turbines on people with varying conclusions.

Additionally, there have been over 100 other research studies examining the general issues of sound, vibration, infrasound, low frequency noise, sleeplessness and stress. Two epidemiologic studies examining wind turbines and human health are currently underway at the University of Waterloo. Out of all this research, no definitive study has been accepted by the courts, governments, professionals or the public proving wind turbines have any impact on human health. "None of this work is being acknowledged by MPP Thompson or the anti-wind groups in their repeated calls for moratoriums," said Mr. Edey.

One Ontario court case and subsequent appeal, an Environmental Review Tribunal decision and a recently-dropped Tribunal appeal have all ruled that the Ontario regulations for wind turbine developments are stringent, and that projects built within those regulations pose no health risks for people in the project vicinity.

Wind energy is a clean, healthy, renewable and sustainable solution to Ontario’s energy needs, now and into the future. The wind energy being developed now will serve the province for many decades to come. While wind energy may be new to Ontario, it represents up to 20% of national power generation in many countries worldwide. Wind power made up 22 percent of all new generation installed worldwide in 2011.

The development of wind energy generation is providing rural Ontario with economic benefits that include jobs, investments, municipal revenue and the increased viability of farming operations and farmland. Power and food is generated in concert with one another. "We have lived by a wind turbine for five years, and experienced no noise, no ill health, no dead birds. In the summer, all the bedroom windows are open. We don’t even know it’s there running. Our setback is 560 m. We own a bird dog and walk him to the turbine almost every day and our dog hasn’t found any dead birds either," says Ralph Geiger, a farmer for 40 years from Lisa Thompson’s riding.

"As our elected representative, we expect our MPP to support her riding by encouraging open, respectful dialogue between all of her constituents rather than further dividing the community she represents." Mr. Edey said.