THUNDER BAY – Ontario Progressive Conservative Energy Critic Vic Fedeli is concerned that the Ontario Liberals are ignoring Northerners and using their energy programs as “personal experimental play toy with no regard for the impact on the hydro bills”.
Fedeli has written the Minister, on this issue. Here is a copy of the letter.
Dear Minister:
I’m writing today regarding your Ministry’s recent cancellation of the contract to convert the Thunder Bay Generating Station from coal to gas-fired generation announced last month. This is simply the latest example of your costly mismanagement of Ontario’s energy sector. But moreover, it’s another example of the arrogant way your government treats Northern Ontario, proceeding with this decision with no prior consultation of Northerners whatsoever.
You have heard directly from Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs, NOMA President Ron Nelson and other local officials that this decision will hurt Thunder Bay, and hamper forestry and mining opportunities in the region.
Amazingly, this is the second time your government has cancelled this particular project. It’s time you stop treating the energy sector – and this project in particular – as your personal experimental play toy with no regard for the impact on the hydro bills of Ontario families and businesses.
The worst part of this is it demonstrates that there truly is no plan to satisfy the power needs and economic development prospects in Northwestern Ontario, and it creates uncertainty among those who would consider investing in Ontario. This decision does nothing for job creation or economic development in Northern Ontario, and nothing for the 600,000 Ontarians who woke up this morning without a job.
Minister, I urge you to stop the nonsense. It’s time to clearly spell out your plans to meet the energy and economic development needs in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, and say once and for all whether the conversion of the Thunder Bay Generating Station from coal to gas-powered generation is part of that.
Sincerely, Vic Fedeli,
MPP Nipissing PC Energy Critic
CC: Mayor Keith Hobbs, City of Thunder Bay Ron Nelson, President, NOMA
