FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2010
(Queen’s Park) In Question Period today, Thornhill MPP and PC Critic for Economic Development Peter Shurman called on Premier McGuinty to explain his recent comment that anyone looking for a break on their hydro bills should do their laundry on Saturdays.
Shurman asked, “Can the Premier tell my constituents whether to do laundry before or after synagogue on the Sabbath?”
Between a 12% increase in hydro rates in May, the implementation of the 8% HST in July and Smart Meter increases, Thornhill families, like those across Ontario, are seeing increasingly unaffordable hydro bills that threaten their ability to maintain ownership of their homes. In response to this growing crisis, Dalton McGuinty suggested that Ontarians should simply start doing their laundry on Saturdays.
Dalton McGuinty refused to answer Shurman’s question and passed it off to Brad Duguid, the Minister of Energy who in turn gave no response.
“Dalton McGuinty’s comment showed not only a lack of understanding of the struggles of Thornhill families, it was an insult to observant Jews who make up forty percent of my riding. It was flippant and insensitive and the Premier owes the Jewish community of Ontario a sincere apology,” Shurman stated.
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For more information, please call:
Debbie Osske
Executive Assistant
Peter Shurman MPP – Thornhill
PC Critic for Economic Development and Trade
PC Critic for Francophone Affairs
(416) 903-4485
debbie.osske@pc.ola.org