Liberal MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy Bob Delaney is positive natural gas will be a part of Ontario's energy future for years to come despite a recent report saying the opposite.
Delaney, speaking to BlackburnNews.com during a stop in Chatham, says natural gas won't be banned in Ontario, but its use needs to be managed efficiently and effectively.
"There's no question that we are going to continue to use natural gas to do what it does uniquely well which is space heating, but like anything else we'll be mindful of its carbon footprint," says Delaney.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope has been outspoken in his opposition to a move away from natural gas, but Delaney thinks he can rest easy.
"I think he can get a good night's sleep Ontario will not discontinue the use of natural gas," says Delaney. "Ontario realizes that natural gas will be part of our energy future now in the short-term and for a long time to come."
The Globe and Mail reported earlier this month it had obtained leaked government documents showing the province planned to phase out natural gas use for heating in Ontario.