Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Canadians from coast to coast who are sick and tired of oil companies holding them for ransom with their exorbitantly high gas prices, I take this opportunity to commend the Minister of Industry for following the lead taken by numerous NDP MPs and the New Democratic government in B.C. in calling for an inquiry into high gas prices.
Two weeks ago NDP MPs from across the west called for a gas boycott as a way to end the high prices. Yesterday Glen Clark, the New NDP premier of B.C., established a commission of inquiry into gas prices. Premier Romanow also has supported this action against oil companies.
If the minister is really committed to this inquiry, to this issue, give the Bureau of Competition real teeth in tackling the issue by setting up an energy price review commission which would act as a permanent watchdog.
We are pleased the minister is finally catching up with our lead. We could say better late than never, but we will not.