Taxpayers on hook if $7bn Samsung deal axed: McGuinty

WINDSOR, Ont. - Premier Dalton McGuinty says the Progressive Conservatives are risking Ontario's international reputation by threatening to cancel a $7-billion green energy deal with Samsung.

McGuinty says it's reckless for the Tories to scrap the government's deal with Samsung and will scare off international investors.

He also warns scrapping such a huge contract could end up costing taxpayers a lot of money.

Speaking in Windsor, McGuinty asked just how much of a penalty Ontario would have to pay for cancelling the Samsung deal.

However, the Tories have been unable to get McGuinty or any Liberal to say if there even is a penalty clause in the Samsung contract.

PC Leader Tim Hudak tried unsuccessfully again today to get Energy Minister Brad Duguid to say exactly what, if any, penalty could be imposed for scrapping the Samsung deal.

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  Samsung's $7-billion investment in Ontario will help the province become a leader in manufacturing green energy technologies it can export to the United States and elsewhere.