Clean Wind Energy - CAW Wind Turbine
Update: The CAW wind turbine is tentatively scheduled to begin operation in May, 2012.
The CAW is erecting a wind turbine on the grounds of its Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario. The construction of this wind turbine is an important milestone in our union's efforts to build a more sustainable future. A vision that was lead by environmentally-conscious union members and activists in 2003 is now coming into focus.
The wind turbine will generate the equivalent of 50-60 per cent of the FEC's current energy needs - energy from a clean, renewable source. It's an example of how our union puts its political priorities into practice. The new wind turbine is expected to be fully operational in February 2012.
Wind power generation is part of an important mix of green energy technologies that will enable Ontario to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels (like coal), and other non-renewable energy sources. Wind power is growing exponentially in Ontario, and that's a good thing. It's a positive step toward preserving a pristine environment and tackling air pollution that we owe the next generation.
The CAW's commitment to advocate for alternative energy development is a key pillar in our national environmental strategy.
Follow the links below for more information about the CAW wind turbine project.
Frequently Asked Questions
CAW Wind Turbine - Project Timeline
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CAW resources
CAW Welcomes Wind Turbine as Step Towards Environmental Sustainability (Novembr 18, media advisory)
CAW Statement of Principles: Environment
CAW Statement on Transportation & Environment
Climate Change & Our Jobs: Finding the Right Balance (policy paper, 2007)
CAW President Ken Lewenza letter to MP Ben Lobb (Huron-Bruce) - December 6, 2011
Additional resources
Canadian Youth Climate Coalition supports CAW wind turbine (March, 2012)
Environmental Noise Impact Report for CAW Wind Turbine (November, 2008 & November, 2011)
Poll: Ontarians say wind power one of the safest forms of electricity generation (March 2012)
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) supports CAW wind turbine (December, 2011)
The REAL truth about wind energy - Sierra Club Canada report (June, 2011)
Free trade with the European Union is a bad idea for Canada
The Harper government's relentless push to sign a new Canada-EU free trade deal would undermine the rights of federal, provincial and municipal governments to manage public spending over goods and services; it would privatize public services like drinking water, prevent us from adopting strong measures to combat climate change and wipe out up to 150,000 Canadian jobs, among a long list of additional concerns. CAW President Ken Lewenza says:
So far, all signs point to a free trade deal that is lopsided, unfair and would do more harm than good to Canadians. 
