HST off hydro: Candidates claim their party had idea first

NDP and Progressive Conservatives candidates say their party was the first to come up with the idea to remove the Harmonized Sales Tax from hydro bills.

Mary Kozorys, NDP candidate for Thunder Bay – Atikokan and Anthony LeBlanc, PC candidate for Thunder Bay – Superior North both say that it was their party that first came up with the campaign promise to remove HST from hydro.

LeBlanc accused the NDP of taking the idea right out of the PC platform months ago, while Kozorys said her party has been fighting for that initiative from the start.

“We were the party that was most actively trying to eliminate HST from coming into Ontario,” Kozorys said.

“Hydro rates are probably the number one issue that I hear at the doorstep. We’re paying the highest hydro rate in Ontario. Take the HST off hydro. That’s what people are looking for. In terms of removing the HST, it is just something that applies to many, many people not just a particular group. We’ll all benefit from it.”

LeBlanc agreed that removing HST from hydro was the number one issue with voters and added he would remove the HST from heating as well.

“Hydro rates have gone crazy in the last little while,” LeBlanc said. “The reality is any relief is welcomed. It’s responsible relief that’s why we’re moving forward with this platform.”

Liberal incumbent Michael Gravelle said while his party isn’t going to remove HST, they are going to offer a number of credits to both homeowners and companies.

He added that they have placed a five-year, 10 per cent discount on hydro rates in order to give some relief to those living in the north.

“There’s no question that the increases are challenging for families,” Gravelle said. “The 10 per cent discount under Ontario’s Clean Energy Benefit as it is more formally called are put in place to help our families with those costs.”

Along with the 10 per cent discount, Gravelle said the Northern Industrial Electricity Rate Program will also help to reduce costs for companies.