Premier ducks questions on hydro hardship

“What does the premier have to say to this senior who is choosing between paying

for hydro or basic necessities?”

QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the Ontario Legislature Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford, asked the Premier for her response to some of the stories he has received of hardships caused by hydro bills. The Premier refused to answer and instead sent the question to the Minister of Energy.

“I’ve heard from hundreds of people about the hardships caused by their hydro bills. They’ve told me their stories and wanted me to ask the Premier for a response,” said Hardeman during the question. “I don’t understand how the government can hear stories like these and believe that nearly $12 million on consultants and advertising was money well spent.”

This question comes just days after it was revealed that $11.7 million of the money designated for low income assistance programs instead went to pay for consultants, media and advertising.

Hardeman asked the Premier about a senior living in a mobile home whose hydro bills have increased by 150% leaving her with only about $57.00 a month for food. He also asked about a pensioner, with a wife on disability, who is struggling with his hydro bills and has gone back to work to pay them. The Premier did not answer either question.

“What does the Premier have to say to this pensioner working two jobs just to pay his hydro bills?” ask Hardeman during the question. “Mr. Speaker, if the Premier cares, I think my constituents would like to hear her response.”

Hardeman asked constituents to share copies of their hydro bills or stories of how hydro increases are impacting them so that he could raise them in the Legislature.

“The stories that people told me have shown that hydro increases are causing real hardships for people in Ontario,” said Hardeman.  “I will continue to raise these stories and table petitions until the government understands the impact.”

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For more information, contact:

Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford

(416) 325-1239