Throne Speech

No Image

Opposition says government hydro rebates not enough

Following Monday’s throne speech, the provincial legislature remains divided on the Liberal’s promise to reduce electricity costs for average Ontarians.

As announced in the throne speech, Ontario’s Liberal government will provide an eight per cent rebate on hydro costs, equal to the provincial share of the 13 per cent HST. Eligible rural customers will receive a rebate of 20 per cent each month, according to the throne speech. Laurie Scott, Progressive Conservative citizenship, immigration and international trade critic, argued in question period on Thursday that the rebate will not be enough for low income Ontarians.

“In my riding (there are) thousands of people who can’t cope with the stress of making their hydro payments,” Scott said.


No Image

NDP criticizes Ontario government hydro rebate and child care plans

The leader of the NDP believes the Liberal government plan for hydro rebates and child care falls short of Ontario families’ expectations.

In Monday’s throne speech, the Wynne government announced an eight per cent hydro rebate to Ontarians and unveiled its plan to open 100,000 new child care spaces in 2017.

Andrea Horwath, the Ontario NDP leader, questioned the seriousness of the Liberal plan.