The Public Utilities Board (PUB) announcement that it will be seeking feedback on the review of the Labrador maximum price freeze policy for petroleum products should be expanded to include public meetings in the communities affected, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

“The pricing freeze was enacted in November and has resulted in discrepancies of up 30 cents per litre in some communities on coastal Labrador,” said Ms. Jones. “I have been lobbying since that time to have the pricing freeze lifted.  Through consultations with the affected communities, all but one feel the freeze should be lifted and no longer implemented in the future. People in the region have lost confidence in the current system and believe it no longer protects the consumer.”

Jones says it is unfortunate that because of government’s delay in dealing with this issue, people living on the coast of Labrador will not see the benefits of lower gasoline and home heating prices this year. This has caused significant financial hardship on a number of people in the region.

“While this consultation process is a first step to dealing with the problem, I find it difficult to understand why the PUB is not setting up meetings in the communities to hear oral presentations from those affected. Many of the towns and businesses in the region do not have the resources or staffing to be able to submit a brief to the PUB. Instead of conducting this review from their offices in St. John’s and accepting only written submissions, they should come to our region and hear the concerns first-hand. This would provide everyone with an opportunity to provide input and ensure an informed decision is made.”