France Gelinas wants to amp up debate on keeping Hydro One public

Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas is calling on the Ontario government to keep Hydro One public.

Last year, premier Kathleen Wynne announced she would sell 60 per cent of the province's shares in the utility service.

But Gelinas says the service should be treated as something that everybody needs in order to live.

Gelinas says her constituents often come to her complaining about their hydro bills.

"You're looking at elderly people on pension that cannot stay in their homes because of the cost of hydro," she said.

"You're looking at young families that cannot make ends meet and have to choose between the food bank or paying hydro."

Gelinas said people are afraid they won't be able to afford to pay their bills if privatization goes ahead.

"They used to pay $67-$70 in hydro, and now they pay $400. They used to be able to manage their hydro bill. Now, their hydro bill has doubled and tripled [to the point] where their incomes can't cover it anymore."

Gelinas will host a public meeting to discuss the issue on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Steelworkers Hall in Sudbury