THUNDER BAY, ON — August 12, 2008 - On any given day, northerners pay anywhere from 10 to 20 cents more per litre than consumers in Southern Ontario. In Thunder Bay, gas is 132.1per litre, east to Nipigon it was as high as 137.8, while in Sioux Lookout is was 141.8

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus has challenged Industry Minister Jim Prentice to get serious about the issue of regional gas pricing.  As well, Angus has written to regional mayors and Reeves inviting them to make an issue out of the unfair price differences in fuel. Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus says the major disparity between in gas prices between Northern and Southern Ontario is unjustifiable and is hurting the northern economy.

 “I have continued my push toward fair fuel prices in the north with a letter to Jim Prentice late last week. I would like the Minister to address the negative impact that regional price gouging has on our region’s competitiveness. The difference of 20 cents per litre that is regularly witnessed between North and South is seriously eroding the viability of our northern businesses; whether it’s in tourism, transportation, forestry, agriculture or mining.”

 Angus recently sent a letter to the Commissioner of Competition, Sheridan Scott, asking her to review the current state of fuel costs in northern Ontario, and to determine whether or not oil companies are keeping prices artificially inflated.  He’s also asked for her office to review why gas is so much more expensive in our easily accessible northern communities in general.

 “As we move toward winter, the rising cost of fuel is weighing heavy on the minds of our constituents who use oil or natural gas to heat their homes.  I believe this winter will be the most difficult on record for those families who bare the brunt of high fuel cost through home heating bills.” 

Many northern communities, including Timmins, have discussed gasoline prices at council meetings. Angus says regional leaders need to speak with one voice about the adverse affects that regional fuel price disparities are having on all of our northern economy.

 "In a period of sustained high gas prices, northerners can't afford to be gouged even more by companies who are raking in record profits."