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Anna Thistle, Opposition Finance Critic and MHA for the District of Grand
Falls-Buchans, says as the price of gasoline and energy continuously
increases, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador continue to suffer.
Thistle says now is the time for government to introduce some type of
program that would either cap the windfall tax revenues it is receiving from
gasoline consumption, introduce a rebate program for consumers or use the
unexpected windfall oil revenues to develop a program that will help people
become more energy efficient. "Over the past several months the cost of
gasoline, oil and electricity in this province has risen to record levels,"
said Ms. Thistle. "While ordinary Newfoundlanders and Labradorians struggle
to keep up with these rising costs, their provincial government is sitting
back raking in huge profits from the increased price of oil and gasoline
taxes at the pumps. The Premier appears unwilling to entertain any type of
program that will help address these rising costs.
"This government has already allowed a significant increase in
electricity rates, and now appear willing to watch the price of gas and oil
skyrocket without providing any type of relief to consumers. While our
caucus has argued that a cap should be placed on the taxes that government
collects at the gasoline pumps, or a rebate program should be established to
help seniors and low income earners subsidize their electricity needs, this
government appears unwilling to accept either. Today, I am proposing that
government invest some of these windfall profits into a program that would
help reduce energy consumption. Whether this be increased investment in
public transportation, or subsidies to help people make their homes more
energy efficient, something must be done.
"There are only two groups benefitting from the increased price of oil,
government and the oil companies. It is time that our Premier gave something
back to the people of this province and helped alleviate increasing energy
costs. Every dollar that is spent on energy in this province is one less
dollar that consumers spend on other goods and services. Unless some type of
action is taken, I fear there will be further economic consequences that
will be experienced in other sectors of our economy."
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