The ruling Liberal Party prevailed in Ontario following an election Thursday – a victory that could keep wind energy well positioned for further growth in the province.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, a supporter of wind power, beat New Democratic Party leader Andrea Horwath and Progressive Conservative Party leader Tim Hudak. The latter challenger, who ran on an anti-wind platform, has announced his intention to resign his position. A new party leader will be selected in the coming months.
Wynne's re-election means that the Liberal Party rules by majority government going forward. Prior to the election, the Liberal Party ruled by minority government, meaning that the party had to rely on one of the other political parties to pass legislation.
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) congratulates Wynne on her victory and says the group stands ready to work to ensure that the wind industry plays an important part in Ontario. With more than 2.75 GW of installed capacity, the province is the country's wind power leader and has about 2 GW of more wind projects in its pipeline.
"We look forward to working with Premier Wynne and her government and all political parties to facilitate Ontario's pursuit of a clean, reliable electricity system that will stabilize future electricity prices, promote economic development and protect our environment," says CanWEA President Robert Hornung.
Following the election, the Ontario Legislature is set to reconvene on July 2. A new Cabinet will be appointed prior to this date. There will be a Speech from the Throne as the first order of business and the re-tabling of the budget will follow shortly thereafter.
