Bill 5, which contains the changes to the York1’s Dresden dump project, has already had second reading in the Ontario Legislature.

Both Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey and Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones supported the province’s bill which will remove the requirement for a full Environmental Assessment.

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault, the riding which includes Dresden, did not vote. Video from Question Period earlier in the day May 6, shows Pinsonneault was not in the legislature.

He’s faced sharp criticism online for being silent on the issue he once vehemently opposed.

Members of Dresden CARED – a community group fighting to keep the Environmental Assessment on the property – set up a chair with his name on it at the recent public meeting in Dresden. He did not attend.

Online, residents trolled photos of the MPP who was recently sworn in as a parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Rural Affairs and also to the Minister of Emergency Services.

“I find it interesting that Liberal MPP for Kingston and the Islands Ted Hsu is fighting the against the Dresden Dump. You should be fighting for the people in Dresden and the surrounding area. In case you have forgot Dresden and the surrounding area is in your riding. I’m thinking that many of the those people actually voted for you. Maybe, you can find some time to concern yourself with the desires of the people in your riding,” wrote Vivian Monforton.

“You’re proud to keep working on behalf of rural communities? What have you done for Dresden Steve Pinsonneault?” wrote Brigette Moore. “Why don’t you stand up to Doug Ford and insist on the Environmental Assessment you promised us! Why not play fair and let the Environment Assessment happen? Because they know it won’t pass that’s why. How can you say you stand up for rural communities?”

“You and your party are trying to destroy the environment, using Trump as your excuse. If you truly cared about Rural Affairs, you wouldn’t let Ford renege on his promise to Dresden and you would hold him to account for his backdoor dealings with these corporations,” added Ryan Doom.

In an interview with The Independent, Pinsonneault said he was very frustrated by the move and vowed to bring residents concerns to the Minister of the Environment and the Premier.