Liberals unveil latest plan to get re-elected: $5 off hydro bills
Ontario’s governing Liberals have had a rough year—eco-fees, the HST, sex ed curricula—but that’s so much better than 2011 being a rough year. Next year, you see, is an election year, and Tim Hudak’s Tories have already started campaigning. So, just as we wrap up marathon city elections, the province is gearing up for Liberal Re-election III: Electile Boogaloo. In an attempt to rinse out the bad headlines of the past year, the Liberals have announced that Ontarians are going to get a break on their hydro bills, in one of three forms.
According to the Post:
[Dwight] Duncan did not say how the government would provide relief for hydro rates, although speculation centres on three options. The government could lower or freeze hydro rates, eliminate debt servicing charges, which amount to roughly $65 per customer per year, or eliminate the HST ($156.48 annually for the average Hydro Ottawa consumer using 800 kWh per month).
“We’re hoping they simply take the HST off hydro bills. We think that’s a good first step,” said NDP leader Andrea Horwath. “It’s very clear that people can’t make ends meet. A big part of that is their soaring hydro bills.”
Mr. Duncan also announced on Tuesday that the province’s books are in considerably better shape than projected eight months ago.
Ontario is still many, many billions of dollars in the hole for the year, but it’s about $1 billion less in the hole than previously feared. So, apparently, it’s time to party with something like $5 to $13 a month, if the Post‘s estimates are accurate. BYOB, we’re sure.
• Ontario to get break in high hydro bills [National Post]
• Liberals to cut hydro bills by 10 per cent [Toronto Star]
• $1billion in hydro relief coming [Hamilton Spectator]
Too little, too late McGuilty. I can’t wait for those Liberals to get ousted from Queen’s Park. We pay way too much unnecessary taxes and fees.
I agree with Jack
it’s too late – the HST is a horrible tax – and the Liberals need to have it cost them, because heaven knows it is costing all of us(and I endure below the poverty line, so it costs me dearly)
I think our governments at the provincial and federal levels need to be more accountable to the people. I don’t think our leaders make decisions with the welfare of the public in mind. Tax after tax, it all builds up. I personally want the HST gone. BC has it right with a referendum to decide its fate and I’m sure I know what the people of Ontario would say if we only had a voice in the matter.