FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2010
MPP Peter Shurman, Thornhill, livid over latest liberal admission
MPP Peter Shurman is irate over the government's recent move that will cause a further hike in electricity rates. On top of the 75% increase since the Liberals took power, they have now admitted that over the next 5 years, Ontarians can expect a further increase of 46 percent.
"The gall of this government to bribe Ontarians with a 10 percent discount! I cannot believe that the McGuinty Government thinks that by cutting hydro rates by 10% that it will ease the strain of skyrocketing rates.
The number of calls to Mr. Shurman’s constituency office regarding increasing electricity costs is growing on a daily basis.
To make matters worse, the Premier has yet to explain where this money will come from to cover the cost of a 10 per cent reduction. “We all know the answer is from the pocket-books of hard working, honest Ontarians. This misinformation cannot continue!” Shurman exclaimed.
In the fall of 2002, Progressive Conservative Premier Ernie Eves froze electricity prices at 4.3 cents per kW/h. Dalton McGuinty eliminated the price freeze and we’ve seen the cost soar to today’s 7.6 cents per kW/h – a 75 per cent increase.
“Capping rates allowed Thornhill families to budget appropriately for their electricity costs among other items,” Shurman explained. “Today, I hear from my constituents that they go to open their electricity bills and are shocked to find that they have increased up to 200%! When will this irresponsible tax and grab behavior end?” asked Shurman.
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Media Inquiries:
Debbie Osske
Executive Assistant
Office of Peter Shurman, MPP – Thornhill
T: (416) 903-4485
debbie.osske@pc.ola.org