Hampton Sees Little Benefits with Hydro Upgrades

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says a major redevelopment of transmission lines will hurt the economy of northern Ontario in the long-run.

Hydro One plans more than $6-billion in upgrades over the next threes, including to lines in northern Ontario.

But Hampton says it only takes away an economic advantage now enjoyed in the north.

"We can create some of the lowest cost energy on the planet," says Hampton. "I'd like to see that electricity used here to generate jobs and economic activity, not shipped to Toronto where most of it will be used to generate air conditioning."

Hampton says the only benefits the north will see from the development are some short-term construction jobs.