Premier Wynne meets with ONTC workers during an August visit
(File photo) Premier Kathleen Wynne meets with ONTC workers during an August visit to North Bay

 

TORONTO – The Liberal government hopes to reset its agenda when the Ontario legislature resumes sitting today, but the opposition parties will be on the attack over electricity rates and the province’s $300-billion debt.

Premier Kathleen Wynne surprised the opposition when she suddenly prorogued the legislature last week and said it would open today as scheduled, but with the added pomp and ceremony of a throne speech.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa says the speech will outline how the Liberals plan to offer some relief from skyrocketing hydro bills, insisting the government recognizes that it “needs to mitigate the cost for everyday Ontarians.”

The Progressive Conservatives return with wind in their sails and a new Toronto M-P-P after taking Scarborough-Rouge River from the Liberals in a September 1st by-election.

The Tories suggest it’s a bit much for the Liberals to say they know people are upset about rising electricity bills and offer only vague hints of some kind of relief.

N-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath says more and more people can’t afford their hydro bills, and hospitals and schools are crumbling because of Liberal policies.

(The Canadian Press)