Mr. Speaker, two issues of paramount concern among Canadians are the ever increasing cost of gasoline and the high interest rates on credit cards. On numerous occasions I have stood in this House urging the government to intervene on behalf of the millions of Canadians who are being ripped off by the banking institutions and oil companies.
While I reject the explanation given by oil companies to justify their blatant price gouging of Canadians, I cannot understand why this government will not put its foot down. While Ontarians are angry for having to pay 60 cents a litre, Quebecers should be livid for having to pay 67 cents a litre.
What Canadians want is not another inquiry but a permanent commission established with the mandate to investigate price gouging and the power to roll back prices. If this government is really interested in giving Canadians a break at the gas pumps, then I suggest a business partnership with the government of Iraq. Its oil could be exchanged for our food for the thousands of innocent children-