Andrea Horwath introduces Private Members Bill
Marching up Toronto’s University Avenue under the shadows of Hydro One Corporate Headquarters, members of CUPE, employed by Ontario Hydro, protest the proposed sale of the majority of the Crown asset.
Toronto, On – Provincial NDP leader Andrea Horwath introduced a private member’s bill in the Ontario Legislature May 25, seeking a public referendum on the proposed sale of 60% of Ontario Hydro.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is proposing to sell off 60% of Hydro One and use the proceeds to pay for transportation infrastructure. Speaking at Queens Park to more than 1,500 demonstrators opposed to the sale, Horwath said the sale will only push up the cost of hydro to consumers because there won’t be any safeguards against rate increases.
“In exchange for a one-time lump-sum payment, the people of Ontario would lose hundreds of millions of dollars in hydro revenues forever,” she said. “It’s our power and it’s not for sale and that’s why I will introduce a private member’s bill in the legislature demanding a public referendum on this issue. The people should decide this issue, not the corporations on Bay Street.”
This protestor sums up the viewpoint of many Ontarians when it comes to the proposed sale of the majority of Hydro One. She wants her say in the matter and may get her wish after the NDP introduced a private members bill in the legislature seeking a public referendum on the issue.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is taking considerable heat for her proposed sale of 60% of Hydro One. Wynne says the proceeds would be used to pay for transportation infrastructure improvements but critics contend privatizing hydro will drive up electric bills and hurt the economy. Six months ago Wynne said she would not sell hydro to the private sector.
Machinists members were out in force in front of the Ontario legislature in support of CUPE in its fight to stop the sale of Hydro One.
Above left: CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn lead protestors in chanting “Our Power is Not for Sale.” Above right: Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath told demonstrators she would introduce a private member’s bill in the legislature seeking a public referendum on the proposed sale of Hydro One. Right after he finished her address, she went into the legislature and did just that.