Industry committee  In fact, it is highly unusual for the minister to suggest this. We act on an independent basis. We can begin inquiries in one of three ways. It is possible for the minister to ask for an inquiry, but that occurs in very few circumstances. We can take action ourselves when we have

Industry committee  We see that there are fluctuations in gasoline prices.

Industry committee  It is a cycle, this is what we see on the market—

Industry committee  No, it depends. It involves choice, innovation or quality. It can be different for different markets. There is no such thing as a perfect market in which all companies sell the very same product, a market that involves six, seven or eight competitors as described in economics t

Industry committee  I am not sure whether I understood all your questions. First, you spoke of the price of oil, its fluctuations and how it reflects on current market prices. I think that this is what your first question was about.

Industry committee  Regarding this matter, I will let my colleague explain this to you after my intervention. However, the people from Natural Resources Canada are in a better position than we are to describe how—

Industry committee  No.

Industry committee  We do investigations when we see that the law may have been broken. We have a very clear mandate regarding this. We see whether or not there is price fixing. If we think that there is any evidence of price fixing, we can go ahead. What you are describing, on the other hand, is th

Industry committee  Yes, this is possible.

Industry committee  Because things can vary according to certain criteria and other factors. The price of crude oil does not always impact the final retail price. Richard or the people from Natural Resources Canada can give you more details. Secondly, when you speak of refineries and provinces, th

Industry committee  —oil companies. As I said, we do not regulate prices and profits.

Industry committee  They do it either in writing or verbally.

Industry committee  Yes.

Industry committee  They get in touch and reach an agreement.

Industry committee  No, not necessarily, because a dealer can take advantage of an opportunity...