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George Sweeney, Liberal MHA for Carbonear - Harbour Grace
District and Opposition Government Services Critic, is concerned that
consumers are not being protected by government from high insurance and fuel
prices as they head out for the holiday weekend.
"People are still receiving insurance renewals with
substantial increases over and above what they paid last year," said
Sweeney. On March 17th of this year, the Minister of Government
Services promised a rate freeze and premium reductions for all drivers. Over
two months has passed since the minister made that announcement and still no
action has been taken.
"Minister Whalen continues to promise that legislation
will be brought forth this session. The government knows that the House
traditionally closes today for the session and they still have not brought
forth the insurance bill. The House will sit for another short period of
time and consumers have not been consulted or even been able to view the
government legislation. The minister told the House two weeks ago that
cabinet had approved her proposal. I have to question why she continues to
drag her heels on this issue."
The Liberal MHA also has concerns about government’s
handling of the Petroleum Products Pricing Commission. He believes that
consumers will be impacted by the uncertainty surrounding that office.
"The minister has suggested in one place that she was
making changes to save money. We find out last night that she will be
creating new positions and will save nothing. It is hard to figure out why
the minister would fire the commissioner during a time when prices are so
volatile and her restructuring plans are not in place.
"Consumers will head out for the long weekend paying
over a dollar a litre for gas and unfair insurance rates because the
Minister of Government Services has failed to address these important
issues." |