Smith says opposition leader's stuck in the dark ages

This week Provincial Opposition Leader Bob Runciman took aim at Nipissing MPP Monique Smith for voting in favour of Bill 150 the new Energy Act. Runiciman believes the bill will increase household energy costs by up to $1,200 per year versus help Ontarians. In a news release he said Smith had an opportunity to stand up for struggling families, businesses and seniors in Nipissing by voting against this costly legislation.

Smith firing back told Baytoday that the Opposition Leader is in the dark when it comes to moving the province forward with renewable energy.

“Once again Mr. Runiciman has it all wrong,” she states.

“The Green Energy Act will spark investment in renewable energy streamline the process for renewable energy providers to connect to the grid. It will also help local users build and operate their own renewable energy facilities.”

“These are forward thinking environmentally friendly initiatives that will help to promote new investment and create new green energy jobs and better protect us from climate change. “

“Unfortunately Mr. Runciman is literally stuck in the dark ages,” she adds.

Runciman’s full news release is below.

*************************

(Queen's Park) - Opposition Leader Bob Runciman today slammed Liberal MPP Monique Smith for voting in favour of the McGuinty Liberals' new Energy Act (Bill 150), which will increase household energy costs by up to $1,200 per year once the legislation is fully implemented.

"Ms. Smith had a chance today to stand up for struggling families, businesses and seniors by voting against this costly legislation," said Runciman. "Instead, she stood up for her Premier, did what she was told to do, and voted for a bill that will drive energy costs through the roof for the people of Nipissing."

The McGuinty Liberals introduced Bill 150 in February without revealing the true costs to taxpayers, without proper consultations, and without health studies on the impacts of wind power. The PC Caucus hired London Economics International, a globally-recognized firm specializing in energy pricing, to conduct an independent analysis of the cost impacts of the bill.

One of the key findings outlined in their report is that Bill 150 will increase household energy costs by up to $1,200 every year when it is fully implemented. This cost will be even higher after the new McGuinty sales tax is added. The report also revealed that the legislation is a disincentive for Ontarians to conserve, as those who conserve may see their electricity bills increase anyway.

"Our Party will continue to stand up for people across Ontario who face higher costs from the McGuinty Liberals everywhere they turn," said Runciman. "We believe in green energy, but not at the expense of putting Ontarians in the red, at a time when they can least afford it."

*************************