Ontario NDP leader calls generating station decision 'shameful'

Andrea Horwath says playing political football with the Thunder Bay Generating Station’s future is shameful.

The provincial NDP leader, in Thunder Bay on Sunday, said the Liberal government’s yo-yo decision making by pausing the plant’s conversion from coal to natural gas is of great concern. She, like everyone else, is waiting for information from the Ontario Power Authority and the Ministry of Energy. 

“My understanding is that gas conversion is of interest and that’s what people want to see and I don’t see why that’s something that’s not doable,” she said.

Still, Horwath is hoping to work with the Liberal minority government when the legislature reopens Feb. 19. She was in Thunder Bay to discuss the NDP’s First Start program. Funded by closing corporate tax loopholes, Horwath said the plan could create 30,000 jobs over two years for Ontario’s youth.

“Creating real employment opportunities for young people particularly,” she said.

They would be partnered with employers through a $12-an-hour wage subsidy to learn skills and work at the same time. The plan doesn’t require legislation. Horwath said she’s waiting to hear the Liberal government’s response.

“It’s up to (Premier-designate Kathleen Wynne) now. Up to the government to bring this plan to the bureaucracy,” she said. “I’m hoping that they’ll do so.”

As for an election, Horwath said that’s also up to the government.

“If the government is prepared to work with us to get those things done then we’ll focus on Ontarians,” she said. “I think that throne speech will give us a hint as to where the government plans on going.”

Horwath will also be in Thunder Bay Monday to discuss the NDP’s five-day homecare guarantee and host a round-table discussion at the 55 Plus Centre.