November 26th, 2020

Hatfield: No Ontarian should have their water cut off during the pandemic

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Percy Hatfield (Windsor—Tecumseh) asked the premier Thursday to explain why the Ford government is allowing local utility commissions to cut off water service for families in Windsor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re dealing with a worldwide pandemic. We’re told to wash our hands frequently to protect ourselves. My Windsor office tells me people are having their water shut off because they’ve fallen behind on their payments,” said Hatfield during question period at the Ontario legislature.

“Why is the government allowing local utility commissions to cut off water service during a pandemic?,” asked Hatfield.

With so many families struggling to make ends meet during the economic crisis, Hatfield says they should not have to fear being chased by collection agencies and denied access to the most basic of human needs. Hatfield urged the Ford government to take action today to stop more Ontarians having their water cut off that will put their health, and their children’s health, at even greater risk at a time when we should be protecting them.

“Utility commissions contract out their bill collection services. These contractors don’t care about a pandemic or hygiene – they just want their commissions,” said Hatfield.

“Will the government give us a clear commitment today – that no one else in Ontario will lose their access to water because they’ve fallen behind on their bill payments and are being hounded by collection agencies?”