The strong voice of a great community

September, 2005

Back to Index

Hampton to McGuinty: Recall the legislature now and deal with gas price  crisis



 QUEEN'S PARK-  With reports of gas prices reaching  over $2 a litre in
 many parts of Ontario, NDP leader Howard Hampton called on Premier
 McGuinty to  recall the Legislature and keep his promise to help
ordinary  families hurt by skyrocketing gas prices.

 "Dalton McGuinty promised to protect consumers from unfair gas price
 gouging. Now, he is sitting idle while ordinary families are getting
hosed  at the pumps." Hampton said. "It's time for Dalton McGuinty to get to
work  and keep his promises at the pump."

 Hampton called on the McGuinty Liberals to recall the Legislature on
 Monday, September 26 - the day it was scheduled to resume before Dalton
 McGuinty delayed the return until October 11th - and to keep a series of
 election promises aimed at protecting Ontarians from high gas prices.
They  include:

 * In Opposition, Liberal MPPs Michael Gravelle and Mike Colle called
 for a Gas Price Watchdog to protect drivers from unfair pricing
 practices..
 * In Opposition, Liberal MPP Bruce Crozier called on gas retailers to
 advertise price increases 72 hours in advance.
 * In Opposition, Liberal MPP Rick Bartolucci frequently demanded
 90-day gas price freezes to protect motorists.

 "People are looking for the provincial government to show leadership and
 keep their promises" Hampton said. "When the same gas in the ground at
the  same gas station goes up by 50 per cent overnight, something is terribly
 wrong with the system. It's time for strong government action".

 Hampton urged outraged Ontarians to have their say on Pump Shock online,
 www.ontariondp.com/pumpshock http://www.ontariondp.com/pumpshock>.
Since  the NDP the launched its Pump Shock tour less than a month ago, almost
 2,000 Ontarians have responded to the online petition.


 - 30 -

 

 

 

Reuters.com