The Ford government is pushing ahead with legislation that would give it sweeping new powers to decide which companies — particularly data centres — can connect to Ontario’s electricity grid. Critics say the move could open the door to political interference, weaken public oversight and erode investor confidence.

“There’s always a risk when corporate interests are negotiating agreements with governments in back rooms,” he said. “They [the Ford government] often point to external pressures — energy demand, housing need, trade tariffs — as reasons to act quickly. But it’s really about removing democratic guardrails and making it easier to cut backroom deals with powerful corporations.”

  • Mugmoor@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    11·
    13 hours ago

    “Otherwise, we are opening ourselves up to cronyism, corruption and economic inefficiency,” Hsu said. “We’ve seen them time and time again not being able to resist the urge of helping insiders, so I am wary to trust the government if, and when, they say that no influence will occur.”

    This is incredibly rich coming from the Ford Government.

    also, non-payalled link: https://archive.is/EP1Vh

    • ryper@lemmy.caEnglish
      6·
      8 hours ago

      That quote didn’t come from the Ford government. This is the paragraph before that:

      Ontario Liberal energy critic Ted Hsu said prioritizing grid access for major economic projects makes sense — but only if done transparently and free of partisan influence.