Dear Editor
Having read through Bill 2 – the Urgent Priorities Act – that is in 2nd reading at Queen's Park, I think, perhaps, the PC MPPs are not being fully informed as exactly what is in this Bill. I am attempting to bring forward certain aspects of this Bill and work with the sitting MPPs, because I feel that there are some advisors who are not working in the people's best interest.
Schedule 1 of Bill 2 is to limit the Board of Directors, executive, etc., including subsidiaries of Hydro One, placing the aforementioned under the control of the Management Board of Cabinet. BUT under the Management Board of Cabinet Act (MBCA) it states that Hydro One and its subsidiaries are not included in the public service for the purposes of the MBCA after the 2015 Budget was passed. If the government is allowed to do this under the MBCA can government not pass legislation taking over the executive and board of directors of any other corporation(s)? Is that not against the law? Does this not violate the Securities Act? Does this not violate the Criminal Code?
Schedule 2. In the press we have heard both Premier Ford and MPP Todd Smith state that the cancellation of the White Pines Wind (WPD) wind project will not cost taxpayers any money. Again, I feel the PCs are either not informed or are being set up to fail. One needs to read section 6.
"Compensation
6 (1) The Crown shall pay compensation to wpd White Pines Wind Incorporated in accordance with this section..."
This includes expenses reasonably incurred by WPD for development, acquisition, leasing and construction costs, employee termination payments, subcontractor losses or landowner losses, and decommissioning costs and other costs required to wind up the White Pines Wind Project, PLUS payment for the debt amount WPD owes to make-whole the corporation for the project and any additional amount not prescribed. MINUS any accounts receivables owed, insurance due, any moneys in the bank of WPD or any money's owed by the Crown under this Act and/or anything else included as in any other rights or assets owned by WPD. So, it would seem that the tax-payers are on the hook for the cancellation of the WPD wind project...but should they be?
I am certain that if those in government had taken some time they would have found more cost-efficient avenues instead of Bill 2 to control Hydro One and to cancel this wind project. It is hoped the PCs will take some time and seek out other information prior to the passing of Bill 2, wouldn't you agree?
Elizabeth F. Marshall,