For Immediate Release
Thursday, July 14, 2005

McGUINTY’S INACTION PUTTING ENERGY SUPPLY AT RISK
After 6 weeks, Premier fails to take any action to resolve hydro strike

(Queen’s Park) – The day after another all-time power usage record was broken in Ontario, Premier McGuinty continues to put Ontario’s energy supply at risk through his continuing inaction in resolving the strike between government-owned Hydro One and its engineers.

“There is no excuse for the ongoing strike at a time of record power usage and rotating power outages across the province,” said Toby Barrett, PC Opposition Critic. “We need all hands on deck to ensure our lights stay on, and this Premier seems content to stand idly by and wait for the worst to happen. That is not leadership.”

Yesterday, the province set an all-time power consumption record of 26,160 megawatts, exceeding the previous record set two weeks ago on June 27. The Independent Electricity System Operator has issued repeated calls for Ontarians to conserve energy to ease strain on the power grid.

John Tory has publicly called on the McGuinty Liberals to get the two sides back to the table 5 times before today.

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For Further Information:

Toby Barrett, MPP
(416) 325-8404