THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day shares insight into issues surrounding Ontario’s Energy Policy, and the high cost of energy for Northern First Nations.
In Northern Ontario, energy costs to light homes, cool homes, run a stove, fridge, freezer and other appliances can be up to twenty times more than in the south.
“The high cost of energy in the north contributes to and exasperates the poverty”, states Chief Day. “Ontario needs a total energy policy that includes First Nations as Partners”.
Chief Day states that the high cost of energy impacts many areas of life for First Nations people, and adds to the burden on families.
The cost of energy is adding to poverty issues in northern communities, as well as forcing people into making less healthy choices for food as high energy costs impact prices for groceries, and many staples.
Chief Day also shares his concerns over Ontario selling off sixty per cent of Hydro One.
The Ontario Regional Chief was in Thunder Bay today, and is headed to the Matawa First Nation meetings in Aroland. Energy issues, and the relationship of power and energy costs as they relate to the Ring of Fire is likely to be discussed.
