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Dec 15 - Dec 22,2002 |
Molinari Trusts Eves' Leadership
Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing optimistic about party's direction
By Angelo Persichilli
Originally Published: 2002-11-24
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Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Tina Molinari
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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."
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