QUEEN’S PARK – Judith Monteith-Farrell, NDP MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan, issued the following statement in response to the Ford government’s decision to shut down the Thunder Bay Generating Station.
“Doug Ford isn’t thinking about growth in Northwestern Ontario. He’s putting 70 family-supporting energy jobs in jeopardy, along with Northwestern Ontario’s energy security.
Ford could have families, businesses, hospitals and schools facing blacks outs by getting rid of our back-up generator that we need in case of failure due to droughts and hydro shortages. Apparently, Ford doesn’t believe our region will grow. His plan is, apparently, to have us need fewer jobs and less energy.
Doug Ford is also forsaking the energy needs of future mining development and the Ring of Fire that will need additional power from our generating station to move forward without delays.
Instead of providing Northwestern Ontario with affordable and reliable power for present and future needs, Doug Ford is allowing our region to languish, or even shrink.
The NDP’s plan for Northwestern Ontario is different. More jobs, a growing economy and more opportunities for young people to stay, and build their lives here. That’s our plan. And we’re going to fight to make it happen.”
Statement from Energy, Northern Development and Mines Minister Greg Rickford:
“Ontario Power Generation informed me of their decision to close the Thunder Bay Generating Station to avoid burdening ratepayers with further high repair costs. I support OPG’s decision, which will save ratepayers $40 million and avoid $5 million in costs for OPG. This decision reinforces our government’s commitment to reduce hydro rates by 12 percent. I was also reassured by OPG that there will be no layoffs as a result of this action.”
