Hundreds of residents from across Ontario converged on downtown Toronto on May 31 to tell Premier Kathleen Wynne that Hydro One belongs to the people – not to a government that wants to surrender it to a wealthy few.
A large crowd assembles outside the MaRS building to protest the sell-off of Hydro One by the Wynne government.
Organized by the Citizens Coalition Against Privatization and Keep Hydro Public, the rally was held outside the MaRS building, where Hydro One shareholders were holding a meeting.
Invited to address the assembled protesters, Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) President Warren (Smokey) Thomas accused the government of stealing the utility from the people of Ontario.
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas tells protesters that selling Hydro One without a mandate is "legalized larceny."
“Selling off Hydro One is legalized larceny,” he said to shouts of “Shame!” and “We own it!”
Thomas went on to note that selling Hydro One was just the latest action in the Liberal government’s disastrous campaign to put the province’s key assets up for sale.
“There was a time when Kathleen told me she’d never put public assets up for sale,” recalled Thomas. “But here she is, going against the wishes of the majority and giving handouts to her corporate friends.
“I would tell Kathleen Wynne, ‘Shame on you.’ But that wouldn't do much, because she’s totally shameless.”
OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas and Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida work the sidewalk.
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, vice-president and treasurer of OPSEU, accompanied Thomas to the rally. He agreed that the Premier had no right to unilaterally take away something that belonged to the people of Ontario.
“It’s wrong and it’s shameful,” Almeida said. “And we’re here to make sure she’s held accountable for that.”
Watch the short video filmed at the rally.
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