Heather Wright/The Independent

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault took to social media Friday night to reassure his constituents he still opposes the York1 Environmental project.

Pinsonneault has been keeping a low profile since the Ford Government reneged on the promised Environmental Assessment for the project at the derelict dump just outside of Dresden. He released a statement expressing his disappointment when the province’s plans were posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario, and talked with The Independent a week later promising to make sure all of the constituent’s concerns were addressed.

Pinsonneault has not been active in the community and he was not in the Ontario Legislature for the second reading of the bill which will fast track York1’s project.

Online, residents were angry he didn’t vote during second reading and that he didn’t show up for a public meeting hosted by Chatham-Kent.

Friday, with one day left for residents to post their opposition to the province’s plan, the MPP representing Dresden posted a video talking about the project.

“It’s an issue that I’ve been silent on for far too long,” he said, speaking directly into the camera. “I’ve had 1,000s of emails, hundreds of phone calls, and several people in person come to talk to me about the York one landfill in Dresden. People are angry, and quite frankly, so am I.

“I do not support this landfill. I personally spoke to the premier, I personally spoke to the ministers. I’ve told him of the concerns of this landfill, and I told him how I’m opposed to it. The reality is, I’m one of 80 votes, and no matter how I vote, it’s not going to change the outcome,” said Pinsonneault.

“To address the speculation regarding me knowing landfill owners, I have never heard of or met them,” he said.

Pinsonneault also addressed the fact one of the owners of York1, Andrew Guizzetti, provided $3,375 to to his election campaign.

“Just like any other politician you have no control of who donates to your campaign,” Pinsonneault said.

“I’ve been beat up pretty bad here on social media in the last three weeks, and due to my silence, I guess that’s fair” Pinsonneault continued, “but when my integrity comes into question, I feel it’s time to speak out. I’ve always been that grassroots politician who is for the people, who cares about the community, and I want to get back.”

The online comments questioned why the MPP didn’t vote in the second reading of the bill and others urged him to stand up and vote against Bill 5.

“Your absence on the last vote spoke volumes. Let’s see you hit the floor in public and hold the dishonourable Doug Ford to his promise of an environmental assessment,” said Janice Paddick.

Others praised him for his “resolve” to help his constituents. “There will always be malicious intent to try and discredit your integrity. Continue to speak out. I hope that for many who know you, their voices will drown the negativity out there,” said Diane Peters.

And there was some advice for the MPP from veteran politician.

“I believe that when your long political career is over you would be most happy if you voted against the bill,” said former Chatham-Kent Councillor Bill Weaver.

“It would send a strong message about what you truly believe in. There may be some blow back from the premier’s office and his advisors however I know that you can withstand that and you will be more proud of your actions should you stand up and make it very clear about your lack of support. Y

“This will also show that you are truly looking after the needs of your constituents and not being directed by the unelected advisors in the premier’s office,” Weaver added.

Watch the video here https://www.facebook.com/reel/753350987016066