“Whatever the total, this is further evidence of massive, deliberate mismanagement of energy by the McGuinty government, which has made a habit of politically exploiting home hydro needs,  just as they do with health care and education.”

– Editorial, Windsor Star, September 26, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2012

LEONE: TIME TO INVESTIGATE LIBERAL DECISIONS TO CANCEL GAS PLANTS

QUEEN’S PARK – The Ontario PCs called for a vote today to end debate on the motion of contempt against Energy Minister Chris Bentley so that the Legislature can move forward and investigate the Liberals’ outrageous decisions to cancel two gas plants – decisions that have wasted at least $640 million of taxpayer money, Cambridge Ontario PC MPP Rob Leone said.

“To save a few seats and their political skins, the McGuinty Liberals cancelled gas plants in Mississauga and Oakville with complete disregard to taxpayers,” Leone said. “They treated public funds as if they belonged to the Liberal Party, and they must be held accountable.”

Ending the debates will allow for the Legislature to refer the matter to Committee, which will report on whether Energy Minister Chris Bentley should be held in contempt for refusing to release in full all documents relating to the cancelled gas plants, as requested by the Legislature’s Estimates Committee back in May. If passed, the motion will re-strike the Finance Committee, allowing an investigation into the gas plant cancellations and the Liberals’ political interference and subsequent cover-up to ensue.

Under constant pressure from Ontario PC Caucus, which filed the motion of contempt, the government finally released an incomplete package of documents on September 24. Many documents were missing or had sections blacked out or removed.

Leone reiterated how serious it is to be found in contempt of the House. If the Minister is found in contempt, he could face a wide range of punishment.
“The consequences for contempt are severe for a reason: they’re intended to protect taxpayers and not political hides,” Leone concluded. “It’s disappointing that extraordinary steps must be taken to keep the current government honest about their decisions, especially when the Liberals knew they were jeopardizing a Minister’s political and legal career.”

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For further information, contact Christine Bujold (416) 325-1330 christine.bujold@pc.ola.org