We can add the NDP calling the Wynne Liberals hypocrites over Hydro One buying American energy producer Avista. Avista operates one of the U.S.’s largest coal-fired plants. However, the New Democrats say Ontario outlawed coal-fired power in 2015 but Avista is a major coal producer. Peter Tabus, the party’s energy critic, says Premier Kathleen Wynne’s hypocrisy is astounding. Tabuns says Wynne set us up for this deal because once she began selling off Hydro One, she lost control over what Hydro One can do. Tabuns says the Liberals billed Ontarians a lot to get out of coal and now we’re paying billions of dollars to get back into it. The cost for Hydro One to buy into Avista is $6.4 billion. Tabuns says Ontarians want the Premier to stop the ongoing sell-off of Hydro One. Doing this is a key platform for the NDP heading into next year’s provincial election. Tabuns says only by stopping Hydro One from going private and putting it back into the hands of the public will we once again have more control over hydro prices. Tabuns adds afterward the annual profits Hydro One makes can go back into provincial coffers to help pay for services like health. The Tories are also calling the Ontario Liberals hypocrites for getting ratepayers back into the coal business after spending plenty to get us out of the industry.
