TORONTO - Ontario government workers will be allowed to wear casual clothes instead of suits and ties during the summer months.

Premier Dalton McGuinty says government air conditioners will be set to 26 Celsius this summer in order to help save energy costs.

McGuinty, who didn't wear a tie today, says the move will save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

He says he'd also like private companies to follow the government's lead and adopt a "comfortable clothing" policy.

But NDP member Peter Kormos, notorious in the legislature for his open-neck shirts and cowboy boots, says the premier is actually taking his lead.

Kormos says it's about time the Liberals recognize his "pioneering efforts'' for more relaxed attire.

McGuinty says according to his research on Wikipedia, we can blame the French for ties, as they originated with the cravat in France.