Tony proposes ombudsman for high gas prices

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN NDP CANDIDATE SAULT STE. MARIE

************************* NDP, Martin propose ombudsman to tackle soaring gas prices

Fair pricing, green transportation solutions for high Northern prices

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (September 12) - An ombudsman proposed by New Democrats’ leader Jack Layton today will be an important ally for Northerners bracing for the shocking 12- to 15-cent hike in gas prices that hit many Canadian cities overnight.

“Stephen Harper and Stephane Dion shrug their shoulders about this,” Martin said. “In truth, they won’t take on their corporate friends. It’s time we had leadership to look after our pocketbooks and working families."

“This ombudsman would serve as a watchdog with powers to investigate and regulate when consumers have to deal with these sudden, uniform jumps in prices that are higher in the north and even vary within the North,” Martin said.

Earlier this year, Martin and fellow Northern Ontario NDP MP Charlie Angus wrote the competitive commissioner asking for an investigation into northern gas prices.

“Fair pricing and the New Democrats investment in green transportation are solutions for northerners,” Martin said.

In St. John’s Newfoundland Friday, Layton said consumers need defence against “unacceptable and outrageous” practices of many banks, oil companies, telecom and credit-card firms.

Layton outlined five practical measures to stop hidden fees and help consumers:

- End hidden fees with laws requiring full disclosure of charges by banks, cell-phone operators, and other companies. Including the unfair practice of charging more for cell phone text messages.

- Ban ATM fees.

- Stop price gouging at the gas pumps.

- Put a cap on interest rates and fees charged by ‘fringe banks’.

- Cap the interest rates on credit cards.

************************* (PHOTO CAPTION: Ashley Sicoly, Jessica Krmpotich, Bailey Prossor and Shawna Milne, all Grade 8 students at H.M. Robbins, were putting up signs yesterday for Tony Martin.)