September 29, 2011

Ontario NDP asks for review of natural gas electrical power plant construction project

The Ontario New Democrats are ramping up the pressure on the Liberals to reveal the costs of the cancellation of a construction project on a natural gas-fired electrical power generation project in Mississauga.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath has written to the provincial Auditor General asking that he investigate what impact the decision to stop construction on that site will have on taxpayers.

She says it's particularly important given the Liberals pulled a similar move in Oakville, and refuse to say how much cancelling those contracts will cost even though some reports say it could be as much as $1 billion.

Both Horwath and Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak say the plan to relocate the controversial plant west of Toronto, 11 days before the Oct. 6 Ontario election, is a clear play for votes.

The Liberals say they were simply listening to the community when they decided to move the plant.

They also note that both Hudak and Horwath have promised to cancel contracts themselves if elected.

For example, Hudak has promised to cancel a green energy contract with Samsung C&T Corp. and Korea Electric Power Corp., which was initially estimated would create 7,800 construction jobs.

CANADIAN PRESS

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