This week, the government announced that it will be selling more Hydro One shares, leaving the government owning less than half of the public utility. The OFL calls on the Ontario government to halt its sale of Hydro One.
With more than 80 per cent of Ontarians opposed to the sale of Hydro One, the government does not have a mandate to sell off public assets.
Under full public ownership, Hydro One is mandated to act in the best interest of the public, undertaking important environmental conservation and climate change initiatives. A privatized Hydro One must seek the highest profits for its new shareholders.
“By giving up majority ownership of Ontario’s public utility, it is certain that the interests of a select few will be prioritized over the needs of all Ontarians,” said OFL President Chris Buckley. “Ontario workers and their families are struggling to make ends meet without decent pay, benefits, and working conditions. With electricity prices rising, many find themselves choosing between paying their electricity bill and putting food on the table and this is not the Ontario we want. The government must stop the sale of Hydro One.”
The OFL is part of a broad-based campaign, called “Keep Hydro Public,” that is supported by more than 20 community, labour, environment, anti-poverty and student organizations.
Find out more about the campaign at KeepHydroPublic.ca.
The OFL represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information, visit www.OFL.ca and follow @OFLabour on Facebook and Twitter
