Not laying blame

Dear editor:
I write regarding the ongoing tragedy of the E. Coli outbreak that has brought so much pain to the people of Walkerton, and has elicited the prayers and sympathies of people right across Canada.
Many have asked how this terrible situation could have happened, and what might be done to ensure it never happens again. I am among those who seek those answers, and I join them in looking forward to the results of the four investigations now underway (including the public inquiry announced by the Ontario government).
When I visited Walkerton, I was asked if my government made any changes to water testing requirements or changes to the protocol for reporting problems with water quality. I answered that, in fact, there have been no changes made in any of those areas since before my government was elected in 1995.
Further, I went on to indicate that prior to the regrettable sequence of events in Walkerton, the existing framework seemed to have worked well in ensuring that the quality of drinking water in Ontario was among the safest in the world.
Sadly, I have seen many reports, editorials, and opinion columns which have characterized my responses as “an attempt to blame the NDP.” This is not the case. At no time have I attempted to point fingers or to lay blame for the tragedy in Walkerton. I have simply stated the facts with respect to when changes were last made to these procedures so that the chronology will be accurately reported.
I appreciate the opportunity to clarify my comments. I join your commentators and readers alike in wishing the people of Walkerton well, and in looking forward to getting to the bottom of this tragedy so that we can ensure that we never witness another.
Yours truly,
Michael D. Harris, MPP
Premier