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"A Family Tradition for 133 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, November 23, 1999 - 3 Durham MPP part of latest government gas probe By Chris Hall Port Perry Star The provincial govern- ment has stepped into the middle of the debate over fluctuating gas prices, launching its own review. With public outcry growing louder and loud- er as gasoline prices con- tinue to rise, the province will conduct its own investigation into the industry and compile a report, which will be sub- mitted to the federal gov- ernment in March. Durham MPP John O'Toole will act as co- chair of the commission. Over the next few months the group will meet with consumers, | consumer advocates, petroleum industry rep- resentatives, and inde- | pendent gas retailers to | develop recommenda- tions to deal with volatile | gas prices. Their findings will be passed along to the feder- al government, which has responsibility 'for gaso- line marketing under the Competition Act. "We're going to listen to all the groups involved and make any recommen- dations we see fit. This is a consultation process that is non-partisan," said Mr. O'Toole. Mr. O'Toole said con- sumers have to be aware of all the factors involved with the final pump price. "The crude (oil) price is as high as I've seen it since the Gulf War, and that is one of the keys here. As well, there are environmental issues with the refineries.. what the-government has them do. tp oleanl the gas up. That's not cheap," he allowed. the consumer from the wells to the pump." MPS on nizes that the anger of motorists rises with each seem- saa ingly inex- O'Toole plicable blip at the pumps. "The anticipated increases during long weekends of eight to 10 cents a litre... the incon- sistency of prices from name (brand) to name and even from town to town: It's terrible, and they're fooling with the market place," he said. "(The provincial gov- ernment) made a com- mitment at the Throne Speech to launch an investigation into gas pricing, and we will." Mr. O'Toole also promised to look at prob- lems independent sta- tions are facing in their ongoing fight against the petroleum giants. "Is there a concerted effort by the monopolies to force out the indepen- dent stations? Is that or isn't it just good competi- tion? These are some of the things we'll also look at," he said. "Our first priority is to stand up for the con- sumer. The gas industry is making enormous prof- its, and since that's the case, let's look at it. They're like the banks, and everyone has a funny feeling about the profits banks make.' "We have to educate Safety zones for Scugog? If the Community Safety Zones trial pro- gram 1s a success, Scugog should be included, says Mayor Doug Moffatt. There are 11 sites selected in the region as safety zones, but none are in Scugog. The system is set up so that anyone caught with a traffic infraction could face double the normal fine, and more demerit points. "It is just a trial pro- gram, but we should be looking at some areas if the program continues and is expanded," said the mayor. The mayor suggest- ed that if the program continues the area near Epsom Public School on Reach Rd. should be considered. 4 up C-HRIS Free Gift B Wrapping A ARID PP} n otlrea CAE EN SIAR CAN] ie @CK'S 168-178 Queen St., Port Perry 985-2521 |B RC TE for Kids Cider & Goodies on Heekends