Final answer:
The cost of the 2012/13 Ontario gas plant cancellation for the Liberal government was over CAD 1 billion, showcasing the conflict between short-term politics and long-term energy infrastructure planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 2012/13 Ontario gas plant cancellation cost was a significant financial expenditure for the provincial Liberal government. The final cost was estimated to be upwards of CAD 1 billion. This incident serves as an intricate case study of political decision-making, voter response, and the challenges of energy infrastructure planning in a democratic society.
The cancellation came about because of public opposition and political pressure, resulting in a costly backtrack on established energy plans. This scenario exemplifies the tension between short-term electoral cycles and the long-term planning needed for major infrastructure projects like transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards sustainable energy sources. It highlights how the electoral cycle can sometimes impede meaningful infrastructure development due to the immediate pressures facing elected officials.