Toby Barrett, M.P.P.

Sarnia – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett says the provincial government must do more to reduce the cost of gas.

Today, MPP Barrett echoed the sentiments of Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory in calling on the McGuinty Liberals to do more to end the gas gouging of Ontario consumers.

“I have heard from so many constituents who simply cannot afford to drive and from those who can no longer afford to drive to work because of the high gas prices,” Barrett said. “It’s time Dalton McGuinty do something to end this gouging.”

Opposition Leader, John Tory urged Dalton McGuinty to put more pressure on the federal government and offer specific solutions to help consumers and businesses. He called on McGuinty to push the federal government to:

Eliminate the “deficit elimination tax” - it's been seven years since the federal government had a deficit. It's time to eliminate the 1.5 cent per litre tax that Paul Martin introduced in 1995 as a “temporary measure” to fight the deficit.
Stop taxing a tax - Reform the GST on gas so we don't tax a tax and so the government doesn't get a windfall at the expense of consumers and businesses when prices rise.

Tory also said that Dalton McGuinty should be immediately exploring ways to entice producers to expand refining capabilities in Ontario to increase supply and drive down prices. He called on McGuinty to develop a plan to bring more production to the province.

“High gas prices are affecting us all - from families and seniors struggling to get by on fixed incomes to job-creating businesses who rely on moving goods by truck,” said Tory. “Consumers and businesses in Ontario have faced a 50 cent hike in gas prices since the beginning of the summer. They deserve some relief, especially from a federal government that is awash in extra tax revenue because of the high prices.”

“It is time for Dalton McGuinty to work with me and stand up for hard hit consumers and businesses,” said Tory. “It's time to implement real, constructive solutions to this problem. Our consumers and businesses are hurting and they're looking for real leadership from Dalton McGuinty, not just empty statements.”

For the past year, Barrett has been gathering names on a petition to “stop gouging consumers at the pump” and attack differential pricing between areas.

For more information please contact
MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629

Enough gas gouging: Barrett