Fuel Prices (Updated)

Over the last several weeks my office has led an extensive investigation into the cause of high-priced fuel in Kootenay-Columbia. We did so on behalf of the front-line workers who have been left behind in this riding by Esso Canada, Husky, Petro-Canada, Shell Canada, Chevron and Parkland Fuel Corporation, whose fuel dealership portfolio in our riding is extensive, including Fas Gas and many others.

It is wrong to be charging our front-line workers, truckers and medical professionals among them, some of the highest prices for fuel in North America. This problem has been present across our riding for decades and I am committed to spending however long it takes to ensure that all Kootenay-Columbians are treated fairly. Our objective is not achieved by a single phone call to a fuel dealer, but rather requires a sustained effort, inclusive of a variety of voices, to realize the change that is needed. Last week I spoke to MP Michelle Rempel-Garner, Shadow Minister for Industry, about the issue and I thank her for the insight provided. Starting tomorrow I will be addressing this matter directly with various Government liaisons who are responsible for the majority of fuel dealers in the riding.

This will take a sustained effort by various levels of Government. To that end I have also reached out to both MLA Doug Clovechok and MLA Tom Shypitka and would like to thank them for their willingness to join me in the effort to secure fair fuel prices in Kootenay-Columbia, Columbia River – Revelstoke and Kootenay East. Further, I have instructed staff to begin the process of reaching out to all Mayors across the riding to engage them in this process. Finally, I am calling on every elected official in this riding to speak up on behalf of the hard-working Kootenay-Columbians who need relief at the pump and representation on this issue. Change is always possible where there are many voices carrying the same message and change, in regards to fuel prices in our riding, is long past due.

We can and will multi-task across a variety of issues to assist in making life more affordable for Kootenay-Columbians at a time when financial relief is needed wherever we can find it. So, as we continue to work with fuel suppliers to address high prices I encourage you to click on the following link, and follow this new community Facebook page to keep up-to-date on this issue in our area. Elected representatives working together with grassroots efforts like this can and will make a difference. Following is a facebook page dedicated to seeing prices reduced in this area: facebook.com/fairfuelprices