Since sending a letter to Environment and Climate Change Canada Minister Julie Dabrusin earlier this month, Essex MP Chris Lewis is still waiting for a reply.
Lewis's letter called on Dabrusin to install a severe weather radar system in Essex County after four people were injured when extreme weather brought down tents and displays at this year's Essex Fun Fest.
The nearest severe weather radar station is in Exeter, 200 km away, and the region relies on American severe weather radar data.
"We can not be relying on U.S. weather systems," said Lewis. "With all of the uncertainty in our trade negotiations right now, we need to be a sovereign country, and at the very, very least put a radar system down here. That will protect the busiest international trade corridor in North America."
Lewis calls it a top priority for him and one of the first questions he'll ask in the House of Commons when Members of Parliament return to Ottawa next month.
"This one's really on my radar, pardon the pun," joked Lewis.
The incident at the Essex Fun Fair is just the latest example of how residents in the region frequently receive weather warnings after a storm has moved through Essex County.
Lewis said it's a danger for our commercial fishers and pleasure boaters too on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.
"It's not good enough," he said. "You might get a warning, or you might not get anything, and that's just unacceptable."
Lewis added that he's had many conversations with residents about the lack of timely warning about severe weather. He also said other MPs and MPPs in the region support the idea, as does Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy.
Earlier this month, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens also gave it his support, saying Lewis's concerns are valid.
"I go back to the tornado that happened many years ago in the City of Windsor when the alert came ten minutes after the tornado had done its damage," he said. "That lack of information isn't helpful to anyone."
Environment and Climate Change Canada indicated to WindsorNewsToday.ca that the current system is adequate, but Lewis intends to ask when the agency last conducted a review of its severe weather radar network.
In the meantime, Lewis awaits an answer that "hopefully it doesn't take six or eight months or someone dies because of the lack of transparency and getting something done."
