Mr. Speaker, there was a huge jump in the price of gas in Ontario this summer. In addition, the major oil companies continue to jerk around gas prices and Canadians to maximize their profits.
I know the price of crude oil has gone up, but that in no way explains current high gas prices. Some say that more than seven cents of the new price is excess profits for the corporations. I urge the government to initiate another inquiry into the lack of competition in gas pricing in Ontario. I believe the virtual elimination of small retailers has produced a monopoly in the province.
I also urge the government to persuade the Government of Ontario to use the threat of gas price regulation, which is clearly in the jurisdiction of Queen's Park, to pressure the oil companies to change their ways.