Time to be honest about nuclear costs and emergency plans, says new GPO candidate

(Whitby, ON): Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is thrilled to welcome Stacey Leadbetter, nominated on Wednesday as the party’s candidate for the by-election in Whitby-Oshawa. 

“I am running in this by-election to give the people of Whitby-Oshawa a real choice for honest representation,” says Ms Leadbetter.  “We need a strong, new voice to stop the Liberals from selling Hydro One and from wasting your tax dollars by taking Ontario down another nuclear money pit. We deserve better. We deserve cleaner, safer, cheaper electricity.” 
 
The GPO is pushing for a full discussion of the safest and more cost-effective options for meeting Ontario’s energy needs. Specifically, Leadbetter is calling for:

• an evidence-based public review of Ontario’s nuclear emergency plans, 
• an expansion of the nuclear safety zone to a radius more in line with other countries and provinces, and
• an independent, public review of the costs and alternatives to rebuilding nuclear plants. 

“It’s irresponsible for the Liberals to spend billions on rebuilding Darlington without a public review of costs or alternatives,” says Schreiner. “Whitby-Oshawa voters can send a strong message for clean, safe and affordable energy by voting Green.” 
 
“The GPO allows me to put my constituents first,” says Leadbetter. “Whitby-Oshawa has the skilled workforce and manufacturing base to be a global clean energy powerhouse. I want to be Whitby-Oshawa’s champion in the legislature, not a backbench messenger for a political party.” 
 
The GPO offers voters an opportunity to send a message that we need honesty, integrity and good public policy at Queen’s Park. 
 
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