Molinari Trusts Eves' Leadership

Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing optimistic about party's direction

Current opinion polls are not very positive for Ernie Eves' Tory cabinet. Two weeks ago a survey showed the Tory as 10 percent lower than two months before and at least eight percent behind the Liberals. Regardless, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Responsible for Urban Affairs) Tina Molinari does not seem overly worried.
In an interview to Corriere Canadese/Tandem Molinari admitted some difficulties but claims that "they are typical of any period between two elections." She also mentioned a plan for strengthening municipal structures in Ontario.

Minister Molinari, when will the next election be held?
"They're farther away than many expect them, maybe next year. Who knows, possibly in spring, but autumn cannot be ruled out either."

By the way, opinion polls do not seem very positive for your party. Are you worried?
"Traditionally, politicians say that the only poll that counts is the one held on Election Day. In fact, the ruling cabinet always records some difficulties in the period between two elections. We should also note that, while in terms of votes this poll is less than ideal, the people polled clearly said that Ernie Eves is the leader they trust the most. This is very meaningful."

You mentioned some difficulties. Can you list any for us?
"I don't know whether the issue will remain focal until the next election, but right now the rising energy bills are worrying many people."

Would you please explain what happened?
"Many things happened since the deregulation of the market. We had a hot summer, the hottest in the last 50 years; one of the reactors of our nuclear power station malfunctioned and we had to reduce production precisely when demand was at its peak. And other factors that combined and pushed prices up."

But this happened because there was no price control.
"Sure. But prices were rising also before deregulation, and instead of paying them directly, Ontario Hydro had accumulated a $38 billion debt, and this, too, had to be borne by the citizens. Believe me, the situation was unacceptable. The whole sector was out of control, and if things had kept that way, I don't know whether we could have continued to run it."

From energy, let's move on to environment. What is your position on Kyoto?
"We're all in favour of environmental protection, there's no question. We must also be aware of the fact that any decision we make will have an impact on everybody's life. We must therefore go on protecting the environment, but at the same time we should not ignore the changes that will be imposed on the citizens, the possibility of job losses. Moreover, Ontario pollution comes mostly from the United States. Even if we eliminated every single polluting element in Ontario, we'd find ourselves with our production capacity crippled, to the advantage of the U.S., without eliminating the pollution coming from the South."

You've begun a series of consultations in seven cities of Ontario, in preparation of some reforms. Your report will be ready by the end of the month. Can you anticipate something?
"Of course every city has requests of its own, but those who intervened all shared a common concern: the need to have sufficient funds, guaranteed for a given span of time, enabling the municipalities to improve their infrastructures through long-term plans. And this is exactly what we shall do."

Publication Date: 2002-11-24
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=2035