NDP Leader Howard Hampton says Dalton McGuinty is turning his back on Ontario families by defending unjustifiably high hydro salaries - and called on the McGuinty government to implement a salary cap.

"Working families are paying more than ever for hydro, and they don't understand why they have to foot the bill for so many outrageous salaries for so many hydro fat cats. It's just not right," Hampton said.

“Dalton McGuinty wasted no time breaking his promise to freeze hydro rates for Ontario families but when it comes to telling hydro executives making millions they have to show some restraint he’s had four years of excuses," Hampton said.

Today’s Toronto Star reports that the McGuinty Government will not implement a cap and instead plans a vague long-term plan to reduce salaries in the long-run.

"Hydro fat cats won't be crying in their champagne over this pathetic McGuinty half-measure. What we need is a salary cap to protect the hard-working families who are paying for outrageous executive salaries on their hydro bill. And Mr. McGuinty should end his early vacation and call back the Legislature to make a hydro salary cap the law," Hampton said.

The McGuinty government has defended high hydro salaries throughout its mandate. When Hydro One re-negotiated the controversial pay package of former CEO Tom Parkinson, McGuinty Minister Dwight Duncan defended it saying: “The board of directors has taken a look at this contract. They negotiate, as is their obligation. They made this the recommendation. We have concurred. We believe that in the circumstances, in spite of the difficulties the energy sector is experiencing as a result of past government practices, this is justifiable.”
(Legislature, March 1, 2005)

“Ontario families won’t be fooled by another McGuinty promise. The same Dalton McGuinty who broke his promise to freeze hydro rates and shut coal plants can’t be trusted to crack down on hydro salaries after four years of inaction,” said Hampton.