NDP Critic for Innovation, Science and Industry, Brian Masse, made the following statement:
“Canadians continue to experience significant financial strain as the cost-of-living soars. Seven in ten drivers say they are worried that they won’t be able to afford the price of gas this summer. Families are living paycheck to paycheck and young Canadians are struggling because this federal government chose to leave people without the direct support they desperately need to get through the summer.
The Liberals had a chance to get help to people in need by supporting the NDP’s plan to tax the excess profits of big oil and gas companies gouging people at the pumps and reinvest that money into direct support by doubling the GST tax credit and topping up the Canada Child Benefit by $500. Instead, this government stood up for big oil companies making record profits while Canadians make tough choices about what necessities they can and can’t afford anymore.
New Democrats stand with Canadians who are frustrated that big oil and gas companies are making record profits while hard-working people pay record prices at the pumps. The NDP will continue to pressure the Liberals to create a Fair Gasoline Prices Watchdog with the power to investigate excessive gas prices at the pump and make sure that big oil and gas companies pay their fair share to help everyday Canadians struggling to make ends meet.”
