Dear Editor:
An open letter to Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
I am absolutely appalled that the government wants to reverse the Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) intelligent decision to end subsidies for extending gas service to new residential developments and to reduce wasteful spending on pipelines. Continuing to subsidize more fossil gas use in the midst of a climate crisis is lunacy.
The government’s dubious statement that ending these subsidies will drive up housing costs and slow home building is nonsense. Installing pipelines takes time and is expensive. Installing heat pumps and induction stoves would speed up home building. Geothermal heating systems would heat entire subdivisions. Piping would be better used for this purpose.
Ted, why am I now subsidizing land developers and Enbridge? When will this insanity of giving my and every other provincial taxpayers money to big business stop?
You know I am disheartened this government is not taking climate change seriously. I just saw you at the Coldest Night of the Year walk. It wasn’t very cold, was it?
The OEB’s decision was made based on detailed evidence and a thorough process. Passing legislation to override that decision while undercutting a body whose job it is to protect consumers is a huge disservice to the people of this province.
Ted, do you still believe in a democracy? Or do you agree with Doug Ford’s intention to override everything he does not agree with, again at taxpayer’s expense?
Recent court cases that the government lost come to mind. I want this government to stop spending my hard earned dollars fighting court cases instead of benefiting everyone in this province on things we actually need. And no, the 413 highway is something none of us needs!
I would like to know what actions you are going to take to ensure this short-sighted bill does not pass, and what you will do to restore the OEB’s initial good judgement.
As your constituent in Wellington Halton-Hills, I respectfully request you make my objections known to Mr. Ford and everyone else involved in this proposed legislation, and that you work diligently to prevent it from passing.
Your children, and mine, deserve nothing less.
Gord Cumming,
Georgetown