For Immediate Release
September 1, 2005

MCGUINTY LIBERALS HYPOCRITICAL ON GAS PRICES

Barrett joins Tory Transportation critic in questioning gas price flip-flop

Simcoe – MPP Toby Barrett says the Ontario Liberal approach to gas prices has the government singing a completely different tune than they chanted in opposition.

Today Barrett joined Tory Transportation critic John O’Toole today in questioning why the McGuinty Liberals have done an about-face on gas prices since crossing the floor from Opposition benches to the government side of the house.

“This is another example of a government that says one thing and then does another,” said Barrett. “While they decide what side of the fence they’re on, it’s the little guy that is continuing to take the brunt of the impact as he pours more money down the gas tank – it’s unfair and economically debilitating both to individuals and their communities.”

Dalton McGuinty was quite vocal on the issue of protecting motorists in Ontario from high gas prices when he was Leader of the Opposition, telling then Premier Harris “You are passing the buck…to the federal government while Ontario motorists continue to be gouged by gas companies…When are you going to stand up and take some leadership and defend the interests of Ontario motorists?” McGuinty went on to say, “We've put forward three solid ideas-you can pick any one of them-that will help defend the interests of Ontario motorists” (Hansard, Nov. 23, 1999).

While in opposition the McGuinty Liberals put forth four private members bills in an effort to protect drivers in Ontario:

· On May 2, 2001, Liberal MPP Rick Bartolucci put forth Bill 32 – A Bill to freeze the price of gas for 90 days in an effort to protect motorists.
· ‘Gas Price Watchdog’ legislation was intrduced by now Cabinet Minister Mike Colle in May 2001 and by Michael Gravelle in May 2003, to monitor and report unfair pricing practices to the Minister of Consumer and Business Services.
· On May 27, 2003, Liberal MPP Bruce Crozier put forth Bill 58 – A Bill calling for gasoline retailers to advertise a change in gas prices 72 hours before changing the price.

“Ontarians want a Premier they can trust, not one cannot stop saying one thing and doing another,” said O’Toole.

“Once again we are seeing that the McGuinty Liberals have a different story in government than they did in opposition,” said O’Toole. “The only thing that fluctuates more than the price at the pumps, is the McGuinty Liberals policy on gas prices.”

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.

- 30 –

For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629