CHRIS IN QUESTION PERIOD: Calling on the Harper Government to stop gouging at the pumps

Ms. Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, we all know that hardworking families are paying too much at the pump. It is not complex, the big oil and gas companies are gouging. The Competition Bureau claims they cannot figure it out, even after countless investigations. Yet, gas prices spike just before a weekend and when the weather gets nicer.

There is a fairer way. Appoint an ombudsman. Hand the office the power to regulate and make sure the law has teeth.

When will this government stop standing up for the oil companies and start standing up for consumers?

Hon. Gordon O'Connor (Minister of National Revenue, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, this government has been standing up for Canadians ever since we got elected. We have had three very successful budgets, over $200 billion of tax cuts, GST has gone from 7% to 5%, corporate income tax is down and personal income tax is down. We are doing a lot for Canadians.

Ms. Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain, NDP):

Mr. Speaker, it is bad enough that Canadians are getting hosed at the pump, but now they are getting hosed by this government. Consumers are not looking for rhetoric, they are looking for help.

Last weekend I spoke to a hardworking Hamilton dad who was forced to pull his son from soccer because, even for one of the most affordable sports, the out of town tournaments come with a hefty gas bill. That is not a choice any working family should have to make.

Why will this government not show real leadership and legislate an oil and gas ombudsman?

Hon. Gordon O'Connor (Minister of National Revenue, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, we have shown real leadership. We have a sports credit for parents who have their children playing sports.