Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise once again to present another petition. Members are probably hearing this one over and over again. The petition is from the great people of Simcoe—Grey.
The petitioners are opposed to the over-the-horizon radar system. They are opposed not the actual system itself, but the location. The Department of National Defence purchased 700 acres, but it may need another 2,600 to 3,000 acres, which would be expropriated. The individuals in the riding are extremely concerned, and they do not think the government has exhausted every opportunity at other locations for this particular over-the-horizon radar system. As well, it is right beside the Minesing Wetlands. It is prime farm agriculture land, and it would totally change the face of Clearview Township as it stands today.
The petitioners are asking the government to stop the building of the over-the-horizon radar site on the property that was already purchased, which was roughly 700 acres from one farmer, and prevent the future acquisition of prime farmland and the building of the over-the-horizon radar system in the prime farmland of Clearview Township.
There is always a struggle between food security and national security. However, we can never forget how important it is, and we will never get this farmland back.