Eves Takes Heat For Failed Electricity Policy

TORONTO, ON -- Ontario Premier Ernie Eves, who has spent much of his 16 months in office grappling with the province's troubled electricity file, faced new questions Friday about why Ontarians weren't protected from a massive blackout that left millions without power.

Eves brushed off suggestions Friday that the policies of his Conservative government played a role in the situation.

"Our priority now is to restore power throughout the province of Ontario," he said.

The premier once again reiterated that the problem did not originate in Ontario, but could not explain why the province did not have better safeguards in place.

"Following (the blackout of) 1965, it's my understanding that those in charge did take such steps (to protect Ontario's grid)," he said.

Eves said he planned to ask New York Gov. George Pataki to participate in a review of how the breakdown occurred and ensure that it does not happen again.

For years, opposition critics have been suggesting that the Conservative government was more interested in privatizing electricity than guaranteeing adequate supplies for the province.

Electricity supply was expected to be a major issue in an election that had been expected in weeks.

On Friday, however, Eves said an election is far from his mind.

"There is no campaign and I'm not thinking about politics right now," he said.

"I'm thinking about the people of the province of Ontario and I'm thinking about getting power and essential services especially restored."

Canadian Press