The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

THE NEW TANNERTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010 13 Rockwood the New Tanner February 18, 2010 Our MPP Reports by Ted Arnott MPP Wellington - Halton Hills Last fall, before George Smitherman quit the Legis- lature to seek greater but fleeting glory as Mayor of Toronto, an amazing story was published in the To- ronto Star. According to inside sources, Smitherman had been gang-tackled by his Cabinet colleagues over something called the Samsung deal. Until this time, Smither- man had led a rather charmed political life. Ris- ing through the ranks of the Legislature, he had sur- passed equally cunning and ambitious Liberal MPPs to be named the Deputy Pre- mier of Ontario by Premier Dalton McGuinty. The Premier was said to be impressed by his ability to get things done, and his evident willingness to act as the partisan pit-bull in the House. Behind the scenes, there were numerous accounts of his erratic and explo- sive temper, and his use of threats and intimidation to accomplish his person- al agenda. But all of this seemed to have the Pre- miers blessing. Assuming the story in the Star was accurate, why were Liberal Cabinet Min- isters so strongly opposed to the Samsung deal that they worked in collusion to try to kill it? There is no question that Ontario needs strong leadership, particularly on the electricity file. Our in- dustrial base was built on relatively inexpensive and very reliable hydro. Public power at cost, as advo- cated by Sir Adam Beck a hundred years ago, was one of our most significant competitive advantages through the 20th century. Now, according to the experts, we need to build substantial new electricity generating capacity and invest in upgrades to our transmission networks. All of this takes years, with multiple layers of approvals, financing ar- rangements and ultimately construction to bring new assets on line. Many energy experts agree that there may be po- tential for wind and solar generation as a limited part of a new greener energy mix, anchored by hydro and nuclear power, with a diminishing fossil fuel component. Which brings us back to the Samsung deal. The broad details the Government is prepared to release are these: Sam- sung, a Korean-based company, commits to investing $7-billion, build- ing four new factories, and creating 1,440 jobs. What the Government is less likely to acknowledge is the cost to Ontario tax- payers: This Buy Korean policy includes an in- centive of $437-million - thats $303,000 for every job being created - and a commitment to pay up to four times the going rate for wind power, and up to fifteen times the going rate for solar power. On top of this, Ontario energy companies appear to be pushed out in favour of a preferential deal with a foreign conglomerate. No wonder Smither- mans Cabinet colleagues planned the ambush last fall. Yet, it appears that Mc- Guinty intervened on his side, because even though Smitherman has moved on, the policy is still here and the Government signed the Samsung deal. Brace yourself for a big jump in your hydro bill when the new HST kicks in on Canada Day, and when the costs of this deal are passed on you and the other ratepayers in On- tario. * * * Thank you to every- one who joined us for our second annual Free Family Skate. My wife Lisa and I were pleased to host this event on January 31, when over 270 people laced up their skates at the Acton arena. * * * Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott welcomes your comments. He can be reached toll free at 1-800- 265-2366. His website is www.tedarnottmpp.com. Avery Bravery Race date confirmed By: Denise Paulsen When Christine Bond gave birth to her second child Avery on March 13 last year, open-heart sur- gery was the last thing on her mind, but just 14 days later her daughter underwent a life-saving operation. Shortly after birth the Bonds were alarmed when Averys feet ap- peared purple and cold. The doctors diagnosis was shocking Coarc- tation of the Aorta a narrowing of the main artery to the heart. Avery, now a healthy one-year-old, avoided the surgery risks but will need further surgery before her third birthday. Her parents are thankful to everyone who saved their little girl and are now ready to give back with Averys Brav- ery Race a fundraiser for Sick Kids Hospital on April 24, marking Averys miraculous recovery. Five-kilometre and two- kilometre races begin and end at the Rockwood Con- servation Area where RBC will host a barbeque. Sev- eral more sponsors have already signed on to help with the fundraising and more volunteers are wel- come. The Bonds hope Averys Bravery Race becomes an annual event, a fun family day featuring crafts, face- painting and music. Advance tickets are available at the Rock- wood Running Room unti l March 23, and regularly priced tickets are available up to, and including the day of the race. The price includes admission to the Rock- wood Conservation Area and a commemorative Averys Bravery Race T- shirt. A link to the race is available at rockwood- runningroom.com or by contacting the Bond family direct at 519-856- 0066. READY SET GO: Randy and Christine Bond, big sister Taylor and baby Avery will all be at the finish line at the Rockwood Conservation Area in April at Averys Bravery Race. The proceeds from this family fundraising event will benefit the Torontos Sick Kids Hospital, where baby Avery had open heart surgery less than a year ago. - Denise Paulsen photo.