McGuinty says cancelling gas plants was the right thing to do for communities
Posted May 7, 2013 2:23 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Former premier Dalton McGuinty told a provincial hearing that cancelling the two proposed gas plants in Oakville and Mississauga was the right thing to do.
McGuinty said he was unaware what the total cost would be, but said locating the gas plants in the two communities was wrong.
The provincial Liberals have taken major flak over the decision to relocate the gas plants, with estimates now pegging the total cost at $585 million.
The cancelled Oakville plant cost taxpayers $310 million, while cancelling a partly-built gas plant in Mississauga just days before the 2011 provincial election cost at least $275 million.
McGuinty had previously said cancelling both plants cost just $230 million.
During his testimony Tuesday, McGuinty said that despite the costs being much higher than expected, it was the right decision to make as leader.
The major question addressed at the hearing was whether McGuinty knew earlier that his initial cost estimates were way off.
“I would like an honest answer, we have a dozen witnesses saying one thing, and the premier (saying another)” Progressive Conservative committee member Vic Fedeli said.
“While you may have masterminded the heist, your henchmen committed the crime and drove the getaway car,” Fedeli said.
Premier Kathleen Wynne, who succeeded McGuinty as Liberal leader, has meanwhile admitted the decision to shutter the Mississauga plant was political.
The Progressive Conservatives have tried to introduce a confidence motion on the gas plants, with leader Tim Hudak accusing the government of a cover-up. However, the minority Liberals would have to allow a vote to proceed, which is unlikely.
Both the Tories and the NDP have accused Wynne of not being “forthcoming” in her testimony at the same legislative committee.
“The people of this province deserve Mr. McGuinty to come to this committee, and be truthful and open about not only what he knew and when he knew it, but who was part of the decision-making process when they knew the dollar-figures were out of whack,” said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath before McGuinty spoke.
McGuinty stepped down as Liberal leader and prorogued the legislature on Oct. 15, 2012, after a string of scandals, including the two cancelled power plants.
He was also unable to pass public sector wage freeze legislation and was facing the fallout from the Ornge ambulance inquiry.
