For Immediate Release
March 09, 2007

Gas shortage warning fell on deaf ears with McGuinty
Ontarians pay more while government keeps its head in the sand - Barrett

Ottawa - A Globe and Mail report showing the current gas shortage in Ontario occurred due to a complete breakdown in leadership by Dalton McGuinty is unconscionable according to Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett.

“Last week we heard the Energy Minister say, ‘so what’ to the plight of motorists facing higher prices due to a gas shortage,” stated Barrett. “Now we learn that they were warned about the possibility of a shortage due to any disruption in supply over a year ago – 13 months of ‘so what’, and we’re all paying for it!”

While the shortage that began at the end of February was blamed on a fire at a Nanticoke refinery, as well as the CN strike, today’s Globe report indicates that fuel marketers told Ministry of Energy officials on Feb. 3, 2006, Ontario residents are, “vulnerable to fuel supply disruptions and shortages.”

"Dalton McGuinty knew about the potential gas shortage and he said 'so what' to it," said Opposition Leader John Tory. "That's weak leadership at its worst."

Tory added: "This lack of leadership is another harsh blow for Ontarians struggling today with skyrocketing gas prices."

-30-

For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519 875-2838 or
1-800-903-8629