October 20, 2016
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Wednesday's announcement by the Ontario Energy Board (OEC) that it will not be implementing an increase to hydro rates Nov. 1, is just a band-aid solution to Ontario's continuing electricity crisis, says Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.
"The Liberal government's piece-meal approach to such an important issue is shameful," she says.. If the Liberals were serious about making a real difference for Ontarians, they would work on a long-term solution that would address what has already caused electricity bills to escalate so living in Ontario and operating a business here are more affordable.
"As it stands, they have railroaded communities with their Green Energy boondoggle, left the province on the hook for a billion dollars as a result of their cancelled gas plants, and, according to the Auditor General, over-charged Ontarians $37-billion over eight years for energy we didn't need and, in some cases, sold to other jurisdictions at a loss.
"Over and above that, earlier this week, opposition leader Patrick Brown questioned the Ontario Minister of Energy, Glenn Thibeault, in regard to spending $9-million of the Ontario Energy Support Program on consultants. Another $2.5-million was spent on advertising to promote the program.
"The Ontario Energy Support Program was designed to assist seniors, as well as those on fixed incomes and in poverty, pay their electricity bills. It is funded through a levy all Ontario residents pay on their electricity bills.
"With so much mismanagement on the energy file, it's little wonder people have lost trust in this government.
"The Liberals think the flashbulbs from their photo-ops will dazzle Ontarians into believing that they care before the next by-election. Well the truth is, Ontarians aren't fooled. They are still having to choose between heating and eating, and still struggling to keep the lights on at home."
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