Area MPPs are backing an opposition motion to strike an all-party legislative committee to study the province’s emergency preparedness and to develop a protocol for quicker responses in the future.
The motion will be brought forward by the Ontario Progressive Conservative Caucus on Feb. 18, the first day the Legislature is scheduled to resume sitting.
In the wake of the Dec. 22 ice storm that left large parts of Ontario without power for up to two weeks, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece says it’s time to take a look at how the province can better prevent large-scale power outages and respond more quickly when they happen.
“Many in our area were without power for several days,” Pettapiece stated in a Jan. 8 press release. “While Toronto was often in the News, this storm affected a great number of communities across the province.
“We need to do everything we can to make sure that every community, no matter how small, can keep the lights on,” Pettapiece added. “And if they do go out, we need to know that every community receives its fair share of resources to turn them back on.”
In a separate press release, Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott also backed the call for a review.
“I believe that in the aftermath of the ice storm we experienced over Christmas, it’s important to take a step back and to review what the province did right, as well as identify areas where we can improve the process for next time,” said Arnott. “That’s what this committee should be designed to do.”
The holiday ice storm knocked out power to over 600,000 homes across Ontario, leaving many in the dark for as many as eleven days.
“The ice storm hit Wellington-Halton Hills particularly hard,” Arnott noted. “We need to ensure that next time we are ready to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Pettapiece praised local officials and clean-up crews, who worked hard under difficult circumstances.
“I would like to thank municipal officials, hydro and clean-up crews, and all those who assisted in the aftermath of the storm,” said Pettapiece. “In Perth-Wellington, we again saw neighbour helping neighbour.”
Arnott stressed the call for a review was not a criticism of the work carried out during the ice storm. “I want to thank all the men and women who worked so hard and gave up Christmas with their families to respond to the crisis. They did an amazing job.”
In particular, Arnott acknowledged the efforts of staff at Hydro One, Halton Hills Hydro, and Centre Wellington Hydro, as well as municipal councils and staff.
Arnott’s release stated he was “actively engaged” and in regular contact with senior staff at Hydro One and was also in touch with municipal officials during the storm and provided regular updates via Twitter.
