NDP decries Liberals’ $5.5 million in hydro ads

Party is trying to save ‘political skin,’ Horwath says

The Ontario government is spending $5.5 million on hydro ads amid its concerns about its hydro rate cut being overshadowed by “negative media coverage of rising electricity bills,” say documents obtained by the NDP. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath accused the Liberals of trying to save their “political skin” and boost their standing in the polls with ads detailing the 25-per-cent rate cut — one that, in the long run, is estimated will cost Ontarians $21 billion.

“The number is eye-popping,” Horwath said Monday of the price tag for the two-year advertising campaign. “The premier has allocated $5.5 million from the public purse to sell this boondoggle for bankers to the public.

“Can the Liberals tell us why they are more concerned about spending public money to save their own political skin than they are about helping families get relief from soaring hydro bills?” said Horwath, whose party obtained the documents via a freedom of information request.

But Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said the ads for the Fair Hydro Plan provide information that Ontarians need to know, especially with winter on the way.

“What’s also important . . . is that they know about the programs that are available, like the Ontario Electricity Support Program,” he said. “This is a program that has increased the refund that many families who qualify will get for it. We have prepared and have a budget to help 500,000 families through the OESP and we’re nowhere near that number yet.”

So far, 232,115 people are receiving the additional hydro credits, though 300,000 have applied. With files from Robert Benzie