“I think all Canadians are finding the cost of gas a concern,” states Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright. “Yet all three opposition parties supported the Liberal plan which would see gas prices jump to $1.60 and then $2.00 per litre.” The Liberals brought their plan to the House of Commons this week and chose to devote a day of debate on the topic.

“Reputable economists verify that the Liberal plan would also lead to a 50 per cent increase in the cost of electricity bills,” explains Benoit. “Not to mention that the price to heat our homes with natural gas would nearly double. I don’t understand why they would want to impose those kinds of prices on Canadians.”

Benoit points out however that the record of the Liberal Party shows they don’t care about taking a balanced approach to deal with environmental issues and would support higher gas taxes for Canadians. In fact, Stéphane Dion believes, "high gas prices are actually good for Canada in the medium and long term," (Calgary Herald, August 24, 2005).

“I think Canadians deserve better,” says Benoit. “This country wants to see their Government take a leadership role, to lay out a balanced, concrete plan to help fight greenhouse gases and air pollution, and that is exactly what Canada’s new Government is doing.”

Benoit went on to outline some of the steps he and his government have taken to help Canadians reduce their fuel consumption thereby helping the environment and individual pocket books.

• cut gas taxes by reducing the GST from seven per cent to six per cent;
• introduced tax credits for public transport in Budget 2006 and further enhanced this program in Budget 2007;
• introduced the EcoAuto program that provides a rebate of up to $2,000 to encourage Canadians to buy fuel-efficient vehicles; and
• invested $2 billion in a renewable fuel program which will provide competition to the oil companies.

“The fluctuation in gasoline prices is irritating,” concludes Benoit. “As a driver, and farm owner, I feel it also. But prices are based on factors such as world market trends and the price of oil, as well as local considerations. To help Canadians deal with the changing prices, this Government will continue to cut taxes and implement programs which help offer alternative supplies to our oil companies. Ethanol and biodiesel provide additional refining capacity and competition at the local pumps.”