Canada--Gas Price 'Summit' Urged

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Gas price 'summit' urged

March 10, 2000 By CP

REGINA -- Prime Minister Jean Chretien should convene "an energy summit" to develop a strategy to give Canadians relief from record-high gas prices, New Democrat MP John Solomon said yesterday.

Solomon said high gasoline and energy prices could have a serious impact on the Canadian economy, fuelling inflation, forcing interest rates higher and putting a heavy burden on low-income families.

"If the government does nothing, we can call them negligent," Solomon said.

As Solomon spoke, the price for regular gas posted at most Regina gas stations was holding steady at 72.9 cents per litre -- up three cents a litre since Monday.

It was 55.9 cents a litre a year ago.

In his letter, Solomon urged Chretien to convene an energy summit -- which would involve the provinces, major oil companies and other stakeholders -- to develop a national strategy to reduce energy costs.

The GST on fuel should be reviewed, as part of a strategy to cut consumer costs, Solomon said.

An emergency fund to help provide affordable home heating for low-income families should be established, he said, adding that the provision of low interest loans to trucking companies and small businesses hurt by high fuel costs should also be considered.

Solomon also suggested the government look at regulating the price of fuel.

http://www.canoe.ca/LondonNews/lf.lf-03-10-0044.html

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-- (Dee360Degree@aol.com), March 10, 2000


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