Conservatives attack Liberal record on hydro

Ontario's high hydro costs were top of mind for Paula Peroni and Progressive Conservative interim leader Jim Wilson at press conference Jan. 16.

“Nothing has been more damaging to household budgets and to our economy than Ontario’s soaring electricity prices,” said Wilson, who campaigned with Peroni Friday morning.

He said the Green Energy Act, has increased household hydro bills by an average of $681 to pay for “unaffordable subsidies on industrial wind turbines and solar panels.”

“Everybody likes green energy, including our party, but not the way the Liberals have gone around doing it,” Wilson said. “It's killing jobs.”

Wilson was critical of the Liberals and highlighted recordings independent candidate Andrew Olivier released Thursday, which included conversations he had with Liberal fundraiser Gerry Lougheed Jr. and Pat Sorbara, the premier's chief of staff, asking him to let then NDP MP Glenn Thibeault receive the party's nomination for the byelection.

“It's corruption at its worst,” said Wilson, referring to the implication Olivier could be presented options for jobs or appointments if he voluntarily dropped out of the race.
He said the Progressive Conservatives have asked the OPP to re-open an investigation they had previously closed into allegations of Liberal misconduct.

“I don't think they (the OPP) had access to the audio tapes,” Wilson said. “I wouldn't be surprised if there's a third tape involving the premier. I think that's the next shoe to drop.”

Peroni presented herself as a viable option, instead of NDP candidate Suzanne Shawbonquit.

She was critical of both former NDP MPP Joe Cimino, and Thibeault for leaving their party and seats behind.

“What Sudbury has realized in the last five and half months is the fact they have not been represented,” she said. “It's very clear to me that the NDP folks will do whatever it takes to advance their own personal careers, and quit whenever they feel it's necessary in order to gain for themselves. I will not be quitting any time soon.”