Conservative Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece pushed the Liberal government on the true cost of the political decision to cancel the Oakville gas power plant during question period on March 18.
In a question to Premier Kathleen Wynne, Pettapiece pointed to the testimony of independent energy expert Bruce Sharp, who appeared before an all-party legislative standing committee.
“Based on his expertise, we know the true cost is at least 15 times more than what the government told us,” Pettapiece said in the legislature, urging Wynne to reveal the “true cost of the cancelled gas plant.”
The premier passed the question to Liberal House Leader John Milloy, who noted the provincial auditor general is looking into the matter.
Milloy noted media reports quoted Sharp as stating, “The situation begs for these numbers to be confirmed and publicized. I can think of no better provider of this service than Ontario Auditor General Jim McCarter and his staff.”
Pettapiece was not satisfied with Milloy’s response.
“It’s certainly not good enough for my constituents, who are concerned and want to know why this government has a double standard when it comes to power plants in rural Ontario where local communities have been ignored,” Pettapiece responded in a supplementary question.
Sharp estimated the province was on the hook for $638 million when it cancelled the Oakville plant in 2010 – far more than the Liberals’ claims of $40 million.
Pettapiece took issue with Milloy pointing out opposition leader Tim Hudak also pledged to cancel the plant during the last election campaign. The difference, Pettapiece said, is the opposition would have listened to local communities and not have sited the project where it was not wanted.
“All communities need a voice – not just the areas where Liberal seats are at risk,” Pettapiece said.
Following question period, Liberal energy minister Bob Chiarelli admitted to the press the Liberals’ $40 million figure “could be wrong.”
