In Wednesday’s report, the FAO noted Ontario will spend about $118.1-billion between 2020 and 2040.
About one-third ($39.8-billion) of the money is estimated to help out “non-residential ratepayers.” That term applies to businesses and factories – any place that is not a house that buys electricity. “While two-thirds of the spending will benefit Ontario households, one-third will benefit businesses,” said CUPE.
“Companies like Loblaws who have actually profited during this pandemic are getting government money to pay their hydro bills while public services are stretched thin due to years of underfunding,” said Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Ontario, in a statement. “We’re talking about billions that could – and should – be funding a minimum care standard in long-term care, make our schools safe, ensure a supply of PPE for all workers who need them, reduce surgical wait times in hospitals, and so much more.”
“The foundation of the problem is the privatization of our Hydro system,” he continued. “When we had a fully public system, power was available at cost, for everyone. Now an ‘Electricity Market’ dictates prices that are unaffordable for many people and small businesses. If we really want to address this issue, the best way to do it is to make hydro public again.”
