Ford’s energy roadmap takes us backwards

July 10, 2023

GUELPH — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to the release of the Ford government’s strategy to prepare Ontario’s energy system from 2030 to 2050.

“Ontario is facing an energy crunch – and the Ford government is making it worse by choosing more expensive, dirtier options.

Since taking office, the Premier has grossly mismanaged Ontario’s energy supply.

Cancelling 750 renewable energy projects at a cost of over $230 million.

Slashing efficiency programs that help people and businesses save money by saving energy.

Now, faced with an opportunity to become a leader in a world that’s rapidly embracing renewable energy, this government has chosen to funnel taxpayer dollars into polluting fossil gas plants and expensive new nuclear that will take decades to come online.

Other provinces and countries are moving full-speed ahead toward investments in energy efficiency and renewables – hydro, wind, solar – that strengthen their economies, reduce pollution and help people save money by saving energy.

Investors are flocking to renewables because they are the cheapest, cleanest source of electricity generation and can be deployed quickly to meet the needs of a growing population.

With this backwards approach, the Ford government is squandering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make Ontario a global leader in attracting investment dollars and creating better jobs in the trillion-dollar clean energy sector.

The road to a cleaner, greener Ontario is clear. But the Ford government is asleep at the wheel – hurting consumers, the economy and the climate in the process.”

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