ENERGY SECURITY ESSENTIAL TO CANADA’S FUTUREPat Martin Introduces Energy Pricing Commission Bill
OTTAWA— Canadians are reeling with shock over spiralling, out-of-control energy costs says NDP MP Pat Martin, who is calling for an Energy Price Commission to bring stability to gas and fuel prices, including home heating costs.
“The Liberals should act on the priorities of Canadians and protect our citizens from predatory pricing, global monopolies and anti-competitive oil interests,” said Martin, at a press conference in the House of Commons.
Homeowners, small businesses, commuters, professional drivers and energy consumers across Canada are looking to government for some leadership as fuel prices climb.
“Within two hours of Colin Powell’s speech last Wednesday gas prices went up 10 cents a litre in Canadian cities, even though the price of crude closed unchanged,” said Martin. “It’s no wonder Canadians think they’re being gouged. Many think the war profiteers are in full swing before a single shot is fired.”
Martin’s Private Member’s Bill calls for the creation of an independent commission to oversee and regulate energy costs in this country. Oil companies and energy producers would have to justify and defend cost increases The commission would also be charged with the responsibility to facilitate the demand side management of Canada’s energy resources, promoting renewable energy, energy conservation measures and energy efficiency.
“We do not have to bow to market forces as the Canadian Alliance would have us believe,” said Martin. “Nor do we have to defend the interests of spot-market speculators, hoping to profit from war by raising energy prices.”
