Barrett calls out premier on industrial electricity rates

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2017

 

QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP and Opposition Critic to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, demanded answers from Premier Kathleen Wynne on how Ontario industries can rationalize the high electricity rates.

During Question Period today, Barrett pointed out Maple Leaf Foods representatives told pre-budget hearings the company’s electricity bills increased 18 per cent last year. This prompted a study of costs to operate the Ontario plants in another jurisdiction.

“Savings ranged from $7.5 million to $12.8 million a year- as follows: if they moved to Manitoba 65 per cent savings on electricity; Alberta 60 per cent in savings; they could move their 5,100 employees to New York State and save 47 per cent in electricity,” Barrett said in Question Period. “Canada’s leading retailer of packaged meats could go to Michigan and save 39 per cent on hydro. Premier, the numbers don’t lie, how can you argue with these figures?”

Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault, who answered on the premier’s behalf, said there is a new ICI threshold that will lower rates one-third.

Barrett was dissatisfied with the answer, and asked for a late-show debate. It is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m.

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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org

 

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9OqXzAAXgY