May31_07YRenergySupply

Press Releases 2007

May 31, 2007

KLEES to McGuinty Government:

Don't Play Politics with York Region's Energy Supply!

(Queen's Park) Oak Ridges MPP Frank Klees today called on the provincial Energy Minister to direct the Ontario Power Authority to issue a long overdue RFP for the construction of a gas-fired generation plant in York Region.

Klees raised the issue in the Legislature, referring to a letter to the minister from the Coalition of York Region Chambers, which includes Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill Whitchurch-Stouffville and Markham. The Chambers' letter expressed serious concerns that unless the government takes immediate action, the northern part of the Region will face brownouts, or perhaps even blackouts.

Despite repeated efforts by Klees to impress on the minister the urgency of immediate action due to the potential harmful effects on families and businesses in the northern part of York Region if the necessary steps are not taken, the minister provided no indication that he would take any action.

"The wake-up call will come when the lights go out," said Klees. "If there isn't a photo-op involved, the ministers of this government are 'missing in action.'"

Klees expressed disappointment that the minister refused to acknowledge the urgency of directing the Ontario Power Authority to proceed with the issuance of an RFP for local generation. According to the Coalition's Government Affairs Committee, the OPA is awaiting that directive and cannot proceed without it.

Klees questioned the minister on information that the minister is reported to have said he will not issue a directive before the October 10 provincial election. "It is nothing short of irresponsible for the minister and this government to play politics with this issue," said Klees. "Surely, the good of the community should override any political agenda."

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For further information

Frank Klees, MPP

416-509-8999