NDP calls on Liberal government to stop gas price gouging in Northern Ontario

SUDBURY -  NDP MPPs France Gélinas and the NDP’s Transportation critic Michael Mantha said people in Northern Ontario continue to pay some of the highest gas prices in the province and are calling on the Wynne Liberal government to stop price gouging at the pumps.

“We’re calling on the Liberal government to finally do the right thing and beef up the powers of the Ontario Energy Board to take a hard look at gas prices in order to reduce price unpredictability and unfair regional price differences. No surprises. No shocks. No wild fluctuations,” said Gélinas.

Gélinas said people are frustrated with the ongoing price gouging. The Nickel Belt MPP has been urging Northerners for the past year to sign her petition calling on the Liberals to mandate the Ontario Energy Board to monitor the price of gasoline across Ontario in order to reduce price volatility and unfair regional price differences while encouraging competition. Gélinas said this is one way to eliminate opportunistic price gouging and deliver fair, stable and predictable fuel prices.

“Drivers shouldn’t have to drive to southern Ontario to find a gas station with prices they can afford.  Kathleen Wynne and the Liberal government are failing hard-working Northerners. They have been paying higher gas prices than the Ontario average every single year since the Liberals came to office,” said Mantha. MPP for Algoma—Manitoulin.

“For over ten years under this Liberal government, they still refuse to do anything to help make life more affordable or even consider looking at options to protect drivers and families,” said Mantha.

Five provinces and many U.S. states have some sort of gas price regulation. The benefits have resulted in reduced price volatility, increased competition and efficiency, and eliminated opportunistic price gouging.

Gélinas’ petition can be found at http://francegelinas.ca/sites/default/files/PETITION-Gas%20Prices_0.pdf