PM's byelection meddling puts him on hook for Hydro sale: OPSEU President

TORONTO, Feb. 9, 2016 /CNW/ - The president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union says Justin Trudeau's appearance at a Liberal campaign event in Whitby-Oshawa on Tuesday means he must take some of the blame for the sell-off of Hydro One.

"The Liberals know they're in trouble over Hydro One," Thomas said. "Kathleen Wynne is counting on Justin's 'sunny ways' to temporarily numb people to the arrogance, the chronic mismanagement, the squandering of public money, the corporate giveaways, and the asset selloffs that are the hallmarks of this government.

"The Prime Minister of Canada may think it's fine to influence the result of a provincial election. I doubt ordinary Ontarians think it's an appropriate use of his position or time. But if Mr. Trudeau wants to help the Wynne Liberals get elected, then he clearly supports their agenda. And top of that agenda is the frenzied sale of Ontario's biggest asset – without consultation, without the people's consent."

An Environics poll last fall indicated that 83 per cent of Ontarians oppose the privatization of Hydro One, which has also raised the ire of municipalities across Ontario. Close to 200 have passed resolutions opposing the sale.

"I urge the people of Whitby-Oshawa and Ontarians everywhere to hold the Liberals accountable for their deeds," said Thomas. "Kathleen Wynne supported Justin Trudeau when he said he'd sell $15 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia. Now Trudeau is supporting Wynne as she sells off the jewel in Ontario's crown. They're both responsible. They're both answerable.

"Elections are the only time the Liberals are forced to listen to ordinary people. Let's give them an earful. OPSEU has – and we're not going to let up until we make Kathleen Wynne and her Liberals understand that Hydro One is not for sale."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931