IN THE NEWS: Charlton pushes for ombudsman to stop drivers from getting ‘hosed’

From the Hamilton Mountain News

Hamilton Mountain MP Chris Charlton has reintroduced her bill to allow ordinary Canadians to hold oil and gas companies to account for unfair gas pricing. The aim is to create an oil and gas ombudsman who would be charged with providing consumer protection for Canadians.

The ombud's office would investigate consumer and business complaints relating to the practices of major oil and gas suppliers.

The bill received first reading on Feb. 4.

“This bill is being introduced on behalf of irate consumers who are tired of continually getting hosed at the pumps,” Ms. Charlton said in the House of Commons.

“Currently, people can only complain to each other about being gouged at the pumps. My bill would create a meaningful vehicle for having those complaints taken seriously, with mechanisms for investigation and remediation to help consumers fight the squeeze.”

The local MP first introduced her bill in May 2007. She said the concept was endorsed by the Consumers Association of Canada. and was seconded by Irene Mathyssen, a New Democrat MP for London- Fanshawe.

“I am hopeful that members from all regions of this country, and indeed from all political parties, will endorse my efforts to put an end to highway robbery,” Charlton said.