hydro

By: Nick Liard

Privatizing hydro would be a great deal if Ontario was not going to exist in five years…that’s how National President of CUPE, Paul Moist feels about the governments plan to privatize Hydro One with Bill 91.

Moist was in town this evening for a public meeting along with CUPE Ontario representatives and local MPP Frans Gelinas, where the public heard about why making hydro private is a negative choice.

Moist says these public meetings are just a start.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees, who say the selling of Hydro One is a one time cash grab that would drive up hydro costs and hurt local communities.

President of CUPE Ontario Fred Hahn says there is no reason for the government to sell a public asset like hydro and is confident it will not happen.

Also speaking was Felicia Fahey, the Co-Chair of the Sudbury Health Coalition, who says the sale of 60 percent of Hydro One will have a ripple effect in the province, as hospitals and schools depend of hydro.

The government plans to sell of 60 percent of Hydro One in an effort to offset infrastructure costs, and would not allow a company to hold more than 10 percent share, so the government would retain control.

According to a study done by Environics Research, 84 percent of Sudbury is against selling Hydro One to private investors.

The sale of Hydro One is expected to net nine billion dollars.