THUNDER BAY -- The single biggest concern the federal minister of natural resources has is the cost of energy in Ontario.
“Ontario has exclusive jurisdiction over that and we have been very, very concerned particularly here in Northern Ontario and I would submit Northwestern Ontario about the cost of energy,” said Greg Rickford regarding the provincial government’s plan to sell Hydro One.
Rickford addressed the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission and Ambassadors Northwest Friday morning at the Airlane Hotel about the 2015 federal budget.
In April, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the province will privatize Hydro One, but retain a majority ownership in the energy utility.
That sale is projected to raise $4 billion.
Speaking to the media after his remarks, Rickford said the feds have introduced energy programs that haven’t gotten the attention of the province, citing the Green Pulp and Paper program, which had mills using residue liquors from pulp production to increase their energy efficiency.
But there wasn’t the ability to put that energy on the existing power grid unless it was solar or wind power.
Rickford did acknowledge the provincial government’s recent announcement to bring natural gas to remote and isolated communities is important.
“I think that’s going to be a key factor in cost reduction but I think despite recent efforts by the province, the cost of energy is almost prohibitive for major manufacturers particularly in forestry and mining for them to justify any new activity,” he said.
“I have 25 isolated and remote First Nation communities in my riding and they all operate on diesel generation. That costs a lot of money and it’s not very good for the environmental footprint. Any and all activities we can engage in moving forward to address that are important,” said Rickford.
“This file has lagged for too long.”
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to revise Minister Rickford's comments on First Nation communities operating on diesel generation not being good for the environment.
