Billions spent on plant relocation scandal
while Nanticoke prepares for closure: Barrett
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 21, 2013
QUEEN’S PARK – When Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli rose in the House Thursday to announce there were additional documents to be released regarding the pre-election cancellation of Oakville and Mississauga gas plants it was the latest about-face on a deceptive trail government has taken Ontario down to cover its tracks.
“This is the second time that the Ontario government has had to come forward and admit that it had not fully complied with the committee’s request to turn over all records pertaining to what amounts to a politically-directed waste of over $1 billion of taxpayers money,” stated Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “In fact Minister Chiarelli’s latest revelation comes on the heels of claims to reporters that all records had been turned over – how long do we have to put up with this continued cover-up?”
Barrett further noted the Merriam Webster definition of “cover-up” as, “a usually concerted effort to keep an illegal or unethical act or situation from being made public,” is an apt description of government delay and deny tactics aimed at silencing Opposition efforts to reveal the truth.
“To be clear, despite committee orders and contempt motions, this government continues to release pertinent documents piecemeal while claiming all have been revealed,” Barrett added. “In fact it was only after the latest contempt motion Wednesday that these latest documents have been magically revealed.”
Barrett went on to point out the gas plant issue has been mishandled from the beginning, as government chose unpopular locations while residents in Haldimand and Norfolk watched their biggest employer, and potential future natural gas plant, Nanticoke OPG forced to close its doors.
“I’ve been consistent that if these plants and this power production was not destined for Oakville and/or Mississauga, then Nanticoke would be a suitable host,” asserted Barrett.
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For more information contact
Toby Barrett 519-428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629