Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Northerners continue to be held hostage. This is a reality and it is far too common to hear this question. Why isn’t our government standing up for our northern people? The government would tell you they are fighting and working hard on the cost of living problem. Talk is certainly cheap. I can tell, from looking around here, that it must have been on sale too.
We live in a time of ever increasing energy costs. Last week Northerners experienced rate shock at the pumps. Why? Because they could. That is why. No one holds them to account. Normally a free market being left up to itself is the best way to go, but I believe it only works in a vast world market. As this government continues to watch this problem go by, they do nothing.
As we all know, petroleum prices are tied to global markets and certainly to the pocketbooks and profits of those people in charge well beyond the individual jurisdiction or certainly any nation’s control. Given our remote location, our average Northerners pay some of the highest fuel prices in Canada, whether you live in Inuvik, Fort Smith, Hay River or Yellowknife. We pay and we continue to pay. Why? Because they can.
Northerners will benefit just like five other jurisdictions and provinces who decided to take charge of their motive fuel sites problem by regulating their fuels. Why? Because they care about their citizens. For example, as I have said before, New Brunswick began to regulate their fuel prices back in 2006. They regulate the ceiling price to help protect their consumers. Retail is required by law to show how much they are paying at their pumps. Why? To spur on healthy competition. That does not exist here in the North. Many northern residents will agree that we need a strong regulated system. Collectively we’re collecting signatures on the Government of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly’s on-line petition site because we need to hear Northerners’ voices. This government will continue to watch this issue float by. Why? Because they want to do nothing.
So, later today, I will be asking the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs what is he prepared to do on fuel price regulation. It may not be known as the perfect solution, but it definitely shows Northerners we’re fighting back against big oil and we care about our residents. That’s why.
Thank you, Mr. Hawkins. The Member for Frame Lake, Ms. Bisaro.
