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Thibeault enters fray in O'Leary/Wynne war of words

Disputes Tory leadership hopeful's comments on Ontario's economy
thibeault oleary 2017
Sudbury MPP and Ontario Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault has waded into a war of words between Kevin O'Leary and Premier Kathleen Wynne. File photo.

Sudbury MPP and Ontario Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault has waded into a war of words between Kevin O'Leary and Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Thibeault will be in North Bay tomorrow (Wednesday) to attend an event to celebrate SuperSHELL Homes and the work the North Bay-based company has done with Northern communities and First Nation communities across Ontario to build ulta energy efficient, affordable, healthy housing.

O'Leary, the acid-tongued businessman of Shark Tank fame, recently entered the race to lead the Conservative Party of Canada. He responded Monday to attacks from Wynne, who in a letter accused him of falsely claiming Ontario lagged behind Michigan in attracting auto investment.

“I noticed that you told one media outlet that our province trails Michigan when it comes to auto sector investment because, in your words, business there enjoys, ‘30 per cent less in tax, no regulations and no carbon tax,’” Wynne wrote on Facebook. “In fact, that’s inaccurate on just about every count. As it turns out, Ontario has attracted roughly $2 billion worth of new auto sector investment in the last few months alone — far outpacing Michigan.”

O'Leary responded on his own Facebook page Monday.

“You and your policies have all but bankrupted a province that was once an economic powerhouse in Canada. If you were the CEO of one of my companies I would have fired you long ago,” he said.

“Your complete disregard for the people of Ontario has caused hydro prices to become completely unaffordable for families, sometimes forcing them to choose between groceries and heat.

“If you really think you are doing a good job, then prove it, and call an election tomorrow! Unfortunately, we both know you won’t do that, though, when you are sitting with a 16-per-cent approval rating in the polls. But, I promise, it would be a very popular decision if you did.” 

In his open letter to O'Leary, Thibeault said he was responding to “a number of troubling false statements and I felt compelled to respond; because I believe that facts still matter in Ontario.

“While Ontario’s energy plan focuses on providing clean, reliable electricity, I understand you support taking us back to the days of burning cheap, dirty coal. This was made clear when you told us that the end of coal-fired electricity generation was 'treacherous, risky, and in my view [and] personal assessment, sheer stupidity. It was also widely reported by Time Magazine that some of your largest financial holdings were in 'coal companies and other large polluters.'”

Thibeault also wrote that Boston, “the city you apparently spend most of your time in,” has much higher electricity rates for homeowners than Ontario. 

“So I would think you know first-hand how much more expensive hydro is in some cities outside Ontario,” Thibeault wrote. “We know that the cost of rebuilding and modernizing our electricity system is impacting people in many parts of the province. That’s why we introduced new measures, which took effect this January. 

“We recognize that even with these measures, many families bear a burden that must be addressed. As the premier and I have said quite clearly, there is more that we have to do and I’m working hard each and every day to provide more relief.”

Thibeault ended the letter by describing a life in politics as a “vocation.”

“It’s one where what you say has real meaning, and a true impact on the lives of families. I hope you’ll keep that in mind as you travel our province and continue on your campaign.

Read the full letter here.