MPP Michael Mantha’s News from the Park
MPP Michael Mantha, Algoma-Manitoulin
Last week we highlighted the recent news that the Ontario Provincial Police were pursuing criminal charges against the former Liberal Premier’s chief of staff. Police allege that the Premier’s top advisor was responsible for overseeing a massive removal of emails related to the gas plant scandal. The media storm engulfed the Liberals as they attempt to clean their image in the wake of a possible election.
Unfortunately rather than answer to the people of this province, Premier Wynne decided to run, far away from the scrutiny and media gallery at Queen’s Park to Sault Ste. Marie. We have said repeatedly that Ontarians deserve answers, but they are not coming from this government. The Premier has refused a public inquiry and then in the day following the allegations, she refused to show up to work and answer questions.
This Premier said she would be open and transparent. Instead of answering questions at Queen’s Park she took off on a tour. That’s neither acceptable nor the type of leadership that this province needs and deserves.
New Democrats are sending a strong signal that we expect the Premier to show respect to Ontario families, by answering questions about new information on the gas plants scandal and the cover-up.
In other news, our offices continue to be flooded with messages that people just can’t afford a 40% increase in the price of natural gas.
We are not clear that the pricing assumptions used to justify a 40% increase to gas bills are correct. Families are already struggling to make ends meet. Ontarians can’t afford a 40% increase to their gas bill. A $400 or more for gas per year will take a big bite out of N.
New Democrats will continue pressing the government on the need to make household bills more affordable. It’s time to give families some relief instead of making things more and more expensive. New Democrats have called on the government to stop this unfair increase in natural gas prices. We will continue to press the government for answers on their reckless spending as well as call on them to support New Democrat plans that make real differences, and make life more affordable.
As always, please feel free to contact my office about this issue or any other provincial matters. You can reach my constituency office by email at mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca or by phone at 705-461-9710/1-800-831-1899.
MPP Michael Mantha, Algoma-Manitoulin
