Tim Hudak, MPP Niagara West-Glanbrook, continued to advocate for the protection of environmentally sensitive land and local job creation as he attended events throughout the riding last week.

Last Friday, Hudak attended the Friends of the Eramosa Karst (FOTEK) benefit dinner with about 250 concerned residents from the Stoney Creek community and beyond.

The 185-acre Eramosa Karst Conservation Area – which features underground streams, caves and passages caused by water dissolving rock – is already protected from development; however, its preservation is dependant on the protection of the surrounding lands, which contain streams and other features that feed the karst. For over a year, FOTEK and Stoney Creek residents have worked to protect the vacant “feeder” lands from being sold by the Ontario Realty Corporation for development.

Hudak is currently working on bringing forward a joint private member’s bill with Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Paul Miller (an NDP MPP) to protect the feeder lands.

“Despite coming from different political parties, Paul Miller and I share a common goal to protect this unique and sensitive area,” Hudak said. “The government owned Ontario Realty Corporation should make this land a conservation area rather than selling it off to help balance the books."

Earlier the same day, Hudak joined MP Dean Allison, Niagara Regional Coun. Mark Bylsma and Mayor of Lincoln Bill Hodgson at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Politician’s Breakfast, where all four guests addressed issues and developments affecting Niagara’s sixth largest community.

Hudak spoke about the economic challenges facing Ontario, the unfair property assessment scheme implemented by Dalton McGuinty, the benefits of recently announced funding for local infrastructure projects and the effectiveness of government economic stimulus packages.

“Giving government the green light to spend more money in a stimulus package is like giving teenagers the keys to the liquor cabinet before going away for the weekend,” Hudak said. “Any form of economic stimulus must be done transparently and responsibility.”

Hudak said any stimulus package must follow the “Four T’s”: transparent, timely, targeted and temporary (avoid new permanent government programs).

Earlier in the week, Hudak joined other community leaders in honouring Rick Lowes, the Fonthill Kinsmen Citizen of the Year. Lowes who owns the Country Corner Market is an active local businessman who has spent the past 15 years supporting various groups throughout Pelham, including Maple Acre Library, AIDS Niagara, Juvenile Diabetes, local hockey and Pelham Veterans Park.

“Rick’s selfless dedication to his community for so many years made him the perfect candidate for this year’s award.” Hudak said.