(February 2, 2022) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, is wondering if the sky is the limit for Finance Minister Siobhan Coady when it comes to gas prices in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“For months, I’ve been calling on Minister Coady to find ways to keep gas prices reasonable. Now, we are seeing record high gas prices in Newfoundland and Labrador. Not only do Newfoundlanders and Labradorians feel the pressure at the pump, they feel the pressure every time they touch the thermostat or consider their next grocery trip,” said Wakeham.

“There are taxation measures directly in the control of the provincial government. Coady needs to reduce provincial gas tax and cancel future increases, she needs to implement a home heating fuel rebate – she needs to recognize the impact these record prices are having on the people of our province.”

Wakeham says the ripple effect on consumers is being felt across Newfoundland and Labrador.

“High gas prices means higher shipping costs, which businesses often have no choice but to pass onto the consumer. For those living on fixed incomes, especially our seniors, that means choosing between heat or food more and more,” said Wakeham.

“I’m asking Minister Coady a simple question: how high will you let the price of gasoline rise before you take action? It’s time for this government to take action and ease some of the pressure caused by the rising cost of living being felt by everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca