Lessons for future projects

Re: Gas plant follies, April 16.

This week, Ontario’s auditor general released his report on the Mississauga gas plant relocation. I would like to thank him and accept his findings.

The auditor has provided Ontarians with a longer-term assessment than the figure announced last year, by estimating costs and savings over 20 years.

It is clear that the negotiations between Greenfield and the Ontario Power Authority on the plant’s relocation were difficult and complex.

Overall, the OPA has said it believes the new facility will help meet Ontario’s electricity needs at a commercially reasonable price.

It’s in everyone’s best interest that Ontarians have a full understanding of the relocation. Our government is committed to being open and transparent. That’s why we broadened the mandate of a legislative committee to look at every step of the process, and asked the auditor general to expand the scope of his work.

Now that we have the auditor’s report, it’s time to move forward and improve how we site and build future energy projects — ensuring we get it right the first time.

It’s my hope that all parties in the legislature will work together to provide valuable advice on how to improve our siting process. BOB CHIARELLI,

Ontario Minister of Energy