October 25th, 2021

NDP MPP Bourgouin calls on Ford to stop blocking relief at the pumps

QUEEN’S PARK — NDP MPP Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk-James Bay) demanded that Doug Ford take immediate action on gas prices as Northerners are paying the highest prices in the province.

“During the last election, Doug Ford promised to lower gas prices by 10 cents a litre,” said Bourgouin. “That was more than three years ago. Since then, everyone is paying the highest prices at the pump in Ontario’s history, and Northerners have been paying the highest prices in the province. It’s clear to everyone in Northern Ontario today that this government did not intend to protect consumers.

“The lowest price for gas today in my riding of Mushkegowuk-James Bay sits at $1.58 and it keeps going up everyday. Northerners need to travel for work and medical appointments and they have to pay at least $1.58 for gas. This is unacceptable and unaffordable.

“Will the premier act, rather than block gas price regulation, like the Liberals before them, on a problem that is hitting Northerners harder than anyone else and offer relief at the pump?”

Bourgouin said that Doug Ford could have stopped gas price gouging since his first days in office with an NDP bill he’s had in his hands for three years. Instead he refused and made Northerners pay the price.

“With today’s gas prices, families are choosing between paying for gasoline or eating,” said Bourgouin. “Residents across my riding are suffocated by gas prices. It is obvious that this government is not listening to Northerners. Doug Ford must act now. He shouldn’t be waiting until gas prices go over a $2 litre creating a crisis for families in Mushkegowuk-James Bay and families across Northern Ontario.”

Bourgouin’s question was punted to the Ford Conservative House Leader who failed to provide any solutions for Northerners.