Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell and PC Energy Critic MPP Vic Fedeli toured Tri-County Stainless Inc in Ingleside, learning more about the impact of increasing energy prices on Ontario businesses.

PHOTO CREDIT - McDonell.ca

Ingleside - Dec. 4, 2012 - Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell and PC Energy Critic MPP Vic Fedeli toured Tri-County Stainless Inc in Ingleside, learning more about the impact of increasing energy prices on Ontario businesses.

The Global Adjustment Charge can total over $1,000,000 for energy-intensive businesses and is used to cover the cost of selling surplus energy to neighboring jurisdictions at a loss. With the addition of the “Feedin Tariff” (FIT) program - which guarantees above-market rates paid by the Province to producers who feed renewable energy into the electricity grid over the next 20 years - Ontario is more frequently producing a surplus of power that has to be offloaded to neighboring jurisdictions.

MPP Jim McDonell commented: “The Liberal government's energy policy is nothing but a string of expensive and failed experiments on the backs of Ontario ratepayers. A Tim Hudak government will restore Ontario’s standing as the economic engine of Canada. SD&G businesses will be key players in this recovery - Vic and I are here to discuss how we can facilitate them”.

Energy critic Vic Fedeli said the PC party will make energy rates more reliable.

“Hydro rates have doubled under Dalton McGuinty, and the soaring global adjustment charges that businesses are facing are literally killing jobs and investment in our province. The Ontario PCs recognize affordable energy is the cornerstone of economic growth in Ontario, and will treat it as such,” said Fedeli.

MPP McDonell said he was pleased to host MPP Fedeli and showcase the riding’s businesses. In addition to concerns about rising energy prices, the members also discussed the party's plans to reduce the regulatory burden by 30 per cent.

“We want to help businesses grow and create jobs. If someone wants to create jobs here in Stormont- Dundas-South Glengarry, let's let them do it with a reliable energy plan and less government bureaucracy," said McDonell