Dear Friends,
Like more than 80 per cent of Ontarians, we strongly oppose Premier Kathleen Wynne’s plan to privatize Hydro One. The sell-off of Hydro One is just the latest action of the Liberal government’s disastrous campaign to put the province’s key assets up for sale.
For months now she’s claimed it’s necessary to sell 60 per cent of Hydro One to pay for new infrastructure investments. Many have already questioned the rationale of selling a revenue-generating crown asset for a one-time cash infusion. The results of the recent Federal election make this move even less necessary.
Prime Minister Trudeau campaigned on the promise that new infrastructure spending and projects will be a priority. Surely, Canada’s largest province will receive its fair share, so we don’t need to sell off our valuable public utility to pay for new infrastructure.
The damning report from the Financial Accountability Officer proves what we’ve been saying all along about the privatization Hydro One. Selling shares will not raise money for government, this privatization will cost money, and that’s all there is to it.
We can’t let this government get away with this. Hydro One belongs to us all. It belongs to our kids and their kids and we’re not going to let them take it from us.
The rising cost of electricity affects all OPSEU members. The Wynne Liberals have never consulted citizens and have no mandate to sell off any part of Hydro One. To date, there have been just under 200 municipalities across the province and more than 40 Chambers of Commerce that have passed resolutions adamantly opposing her scheme.
I’m calling on our brothers and sisters at OPSEU to send Kathleen Wynne a strong message!
We need to put the brakes on this privatization. The clock is ticking on this deal. Don’t wait until it’s too late, because once it’s gone, it may be gone forever. We still have time to stop the scheme and we need your help to keep fighting.
Be active! Flood your local MPP with calls, letters and emails. Take up a petition and send it to your MPP directly. Join one of our local region chapters and attend a public meeting. We need to hear your voice.
Let’s act now to stop privatization. Hydro One is your business. Stand up. Be heard. Say NO to the sell-off and keep Hydro public!
In Solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
OPSEU President
