In a couple of hours I plan on rising in QP and asking the prime minister a single question about the price of gasoline. Does he stand by his position of opposing the double taxation of having the GST applied on top of other gas taxes? Does he agree we need an enquiry of some kind? Does he still champion the consumer?
It’s a serious inquiry and merits a serious answer. But will it happen?
Will Stephen Harper rise and tell us, as the prime minister, if he will do what he promised, or, if not, what reasons have developed to change his mind?
Or will PMSH nod to Peter van Loan to rise and attack me personally instead of answering my constituents’ question?
Answers at 3 pm.
74 comments ↓
Personally I’ll bet on a confrontation with Van Loon .
He likes you sooooo much Garth he just can’t get enough of telling you to resign.
PPSH has had enough troubles in the last couple of weeks without adding fuel to the fire. Pun intended .
But good luck with that Garth .
I think you are going to need it .
I’d load up on bullets .
Consumptive tax cuts are bad tax policy. It was stupid when harper campaigned for it, and its still stupid today.
There are lots of socially irritating issues, but subsidizing gas prices is reckless, especially bad for the environment and will hinder green technology development.
Take a page from the Green Party Garth, end big oil subsidies and support green alternatives.
You wont find support for lowering gas prices with anyone truly concerned with the environment… which if you’re watching your polls is the number-one issue on Canadians mind, and one we’re _willing_ to pay for.
Well, if wagering is allowed, I’ll put 10 bucks on van Loan.
If I were a betting man, I’d be betting against you getting an answer. You can bet PMSH will unleash of his obedient little servents to attack you and your character.
In the odd chance PMSH responds, it’ll only be to skirt an answer.
In any event, Good Luck Garth, myself and millions of other Canadians are hoping you do make progress.
Gord
My guess – you are going to be attacked. It’s so predicable, how can they believe it’s effective?
Better wear your bullet vest today Garth.
Thanks for the heads-up, Garth. I will try to catch it. Like I said before, Jack Van Impe is expected to make a startling revelation. I hope I can break away from that coverage in time for QP.
Who’s the person spinning the watch fob on the Van Impe program? Does that have anything to do with Sub-lim-A-diddle messaging?
Hey, you’re representing your constituents, but I’d rather see gas taxes go UP not (and income tax cuts to offset them.) But I doubt your question will produce a policy-based answer…
Yes, thats just the kind of thinking we need – government must lower the tax on gas because the price is too high! The main reason the price is to high is supply – we are running out of oil. No, we shouldn’t adjust to these higher prices by curbing consumption or increasing efficiency, as that would be to tough for us.
Let the market figure out how to deal with this. High gas prices are the best way to deal with ‘environmental issues’.
I’m not saying this will be easy, but then again, what is?
Rhetorical question, right?
I thought the whole point was to RAISE gas prices so Canadians would use less to combat global warming.
I love it…you want a clean environment but low gas prices at the same time…you can’t have it all…it is one or the other…pick one…
Garth,
In about 30 to 45 minutes from now we will probably have the answer.
It will most likely go like this:
Garth will ask the question.
Van Loan will rise and respond ‘When will you resign?’
Regardless, there will be no answer relative to your question because it is just another LIE that PMSH has been caught in!
(Ever note how removing the ‘s’ from ‘resign’ results in ‘reign’?…Just a little Freudian observation! LOL)
Rhetorical question, right?
By Geekwad on 05.02.07 1:29 pm
Actually, the point you made in the earlier conversations was a good one.
The less demand you place on the resources, the smaller the footprint.
You can only do that with a CONSCIOUS lifestyle modification.
And, yes, Garth will not receive any answer remotely related to his question.
That is the very real nature of the highly dysfunctional QP.
Can’t you get someone else to ask the question?
I love it. every time you ask a question you upset the poor conservatives and make them look silly. Keep up the good work.
ANOTHER TERRIBLE MISTAKE FOR THE COUNTRY
Three strikes and your out in the old political ball game!
1) Curve ball for a strike! Tax Income Trusts
2) Hard Ball for a strike! Renege on equalization payments to the Provinces
3)Knuckle ball for a strike! Disastrous Climate Change plan.
#1 ,you are outa here! Next batter please.
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=f60ea661-8c47-4945-bc8d-9dcfe62bd3af&k=16038
Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but couldn’t Harper just stand up and say something to the effect of:
‘When we campaigned to lower gas prices, the environmental impact of that policy was not the nation’s priority. Today, in the light of the UN report on climate change, circumstances have changed and Canadians have asked us to make the environment our top priority; to that end, consumptive tax breaks for oil and gas no longer make sense.’
…
Maybe? Harper you reading this? It’d be diffusing, honest and have the benefit of being true.
OTOH they can always release the hounds — it would be par for the course.
I think we should have a way to control the number of vehicles we add to the road. The space for vehicles in our cities and roads is a finite resource. Some jurisdictions in other countries have an interesting concept where before one can own a vehicle, one must first “buy” a license to own one. The license is issues at certain rate of growth deemed appropriate. These issued licenses are like any negotiable securities which are traded on exchanges, much like stock of a company.
With this scheme, we can control the number of vehicles on the road thereby solving the congestion problem. Since the limited supply of these licenses may generate profit for their owners, they may be more likely to dispose of them for a profit.
I’ll be watching for your question, Garth. Will be very surprised if you get an answer. Probably just the same old tired insults from PVL.
Hang in there!! When they insult you, they are saying a lot more about themselves than about you. Canadians will see this. We’re a lot more intelligent than the Harper government thinks we are.
I love it…you want a clean environment but low gas prices at the same time…you can’t have it all…it is one or the other…pick one… – ADAM
Low gas prices.
Pyotr Petrobitch on ,
“The less demand you place on the resources, the smaller the footprint.
You can only do that with a CONSCIOUS lifestyle modification. ”
It’s too bad Canadians aren’t like the Japanese. They are FANATICS about energy efficiency and conservation. Ballard Power is even installing fuel cells in homes over there to heat up water and provide electricity.
Gee:
I think ,perhaps,it is high time we consider the amount of traffic on our roads at any given time .
Staggering start times in cities would be effective in reducing grid-lock .
Some shifts would begin at 5am others at 6 am et cetera .
This would also help in lessening GHG’s minimally ,but still .
Something to think about .
Dear Garth,
Your question is obviously designed to continue the “Harper is a Liar” strategy and continue to expose Harper as a man who will promise the most attractive policy on hot-button issues in order to get as many votes from the affected constituency group.
It’s certain that they will attack you, but they will probably go on to say something about the gas tax cut, their ongoing governing mandate, and the environment.
That’s my guess and I’m stickin’ with it.
Regards,
MB
While I enjoy throwing Harper’s words back at him every chance I get I’m for the current and more taxes on gas.
Higher gas prices are an incentive to purchase cars that consume less.
How about letting people work from home? IBM does it. They save on office rental space .
It will be Van Lunatic, or this very angry man.
http://tinyurl.com/2ahetk
PMSH must think Stockboy Day hitched up with Elizabeth May as he referred to her as Elizabeth Day
Again, Harper diverts serious questions…LIAR!
Can’t you get someone else to ask the question?
By ERIC FOREMAN on 05.02.07 1:40 pm
What ? And miss the fun of watching Van Loon turn five shades of chartreuse ,sputter and foam at the mouth ?
Never .
Iggy just made Harper ‘FLINCH!’
“My guess – you are going to be attacked. It’s so predicable, how can they believe it’s effective?”
As it means that another QP question goes unanswered, it is successful in their eyes.
So you want to save me 6% of ($1.05 – $.85) $.20 = $.012 per litre.
That is $.012 x 50 = $.60 each fill up. I am getting excited about this prior Harper promise which by the way was dismissed as insignificant when he announced it. The Conservatives will do exactly the same thing the Liberals did when gas increased. NOTHING! Now the Liberals will do what the Conservatives did when they were in opposition and somehow demand the government do something about it. Save your breath Garth unless of course you have some other motive for asking the question?
One of these days you should ask something completely absurd, knowing that they won’t give you a real answer to anything you ask in this session of parliament. How do you feel about hairstyles of the early 1970s, Mister Prime Minister? Then someone jumps up and screams invective about you crossing the floor and delivers a killing blow, quoting from your own blog post dated such-and-such that “Garth Turner smells bad!” We all have a good laugh and momentarily forget that some portion of our income is diverted for these shenanigans. Hurrah!
William, KPK, and Adam, You guys are hitting it on the head!, If we’re looking to clean the environment or develop alternate energy stategies, then we should be looking at higher gas prices and higher gas taxes, with the additional revenue being used in pursuit of those strategies.
Garth; lower gas taxes and lower gas prices?, where are you coming from?
Iggy just made Harper ‘FLINCH!’
By Bill-Muskoka on 05.02.07 2:22 pm
Details ,please,Billy .
I am on the all farm network,5 channels of nothing .
As others have said, higher gas prices help curb consumption. Making them slightly lower by taking the tax off will only slow the inevitable rise due to supply/demand issues. Odd how the Cons see raising the price of gas further as something that could completely destroy the economy… but not applying the cut they promised is no big deal.
If it were up to me, I’d look at the idea of taxing gas more, and changing the tax to oppose changes in the spot price of gas — more expensive gas overall, but more stable, predictable prices…
Garth: Please ask for an inquiry. Also, ask the inquiry to look into possible amendments to the COMPETITION ACT to lift the requirements in the act for actual “proof of collusion” (an impossibility) and instead replace it with a percentage of market test, as found in the United States anti-competitive legislation. As it now stands, the competition act is a virtual dead letter because it requires actual proof of collusion. The US legislation does not require this, but rather uses a far simpler and less onerous tests. The net result is increased competition in the United States (and therefore better competitiveness, efficiency and lower prices). This is one issue where we should follow the US example.
Just watching question period and I shake my head in disgust. Harper and his sad, hapless bunch wonder why they are dropping in the polls. Maybe they should watch themselves and their performance after question period on tape. They can’t answer a question without having the “L” word in there. Pathetic, just pathetic.
Beware Garth, yon Peter von has a lean and hungry look.
Watch me, watch me I’m going to get to ask a question in the house. WOW.
ROFLMAO!
As predictable as rain…Peter Van Loan, stands, and regurgitates his only line ‘When will you resign?’
Told you so!
Garth, on the other hand asked a perfectly stated question and nailed Fat Boy HARD! Way to go Garth!
[...] Well here, right the from the mouth of Garth Turner, one of the most visible MP’s on the Liberal Team, we have proof positive that the Liberal Party has NOT turned Green, but is instead the same old party taking on the issues that concern Canadians as a matter of self-serving convenience. (Links to Garth Turner’s Blog) http://www.garth.ca/weblog/2007/05/02/qp-today/ [...]
Watch me, watch me I’m going to get to ask a question in the house. WOW.
By Dennis Richard on 05.02.07 2:49 pm
Which is a hell of a lot more than you
have ,ever, done or will do .
Grow up !
As a Milton resident, I too would like more gas taxes, but specifically for two purposes… investment in research into alternative power for vehicles and improvements in roads. It’s sick that the province is designating Milton a growth area, expected to increase 500%, with the same roads it’s had since it was a town of ~ 30,000. It’s impossible not to run into traffic congestion thanks to the 407 dumping into the 401, and all that stop and go traffic every day = lots of wasted gas, which compounds the problem. So yes, boost the tax, but don’t let it go to general revenues.
It will be Van Lunatic, or this very angry man.
http://tinyurl.com/2ahetk
By Randy on 05.02.07 2:17 pm
Look closely at the subject of your photo. Is he or is he not worthy of a groomer/preener of the first magnitude?
He’s portly, a close companion of Pierre Poilievre, clearly bites his nails under pressure, and in great need of both a preener and diction coach.
He swings between WAG & SWAG, with the operative word being GUESS. Who knows, maybe he’ll become part of the breeding flock for PMSH’s new western species, the mountain kangarooo.
I don’t know if there is price fixing, gouging, collusion or any other form of activity that should be stopped when it comes to the price of gas.
One thing is for sure, no other consumer product reacts as quickly to supply and demand issues, whether it be an increase in price of oil (In US dollars), a drop in the Canadian Dollar or low inventories in the US, the price quickly rises.
The issue for me is that when the Canadian dollar rises, oil drops or inventories are higher than expected, prices don’t seem to fall as fast.
For me, looking into this would be a good place to start.
William, KPK, and Adam, You guys are hitting it on the head!, If we’re looking to clean the environment or develop alternate energy stategies, then we should be looking at higher gas prices and higher gas taxes, with the additional revenue being used in pursuit of those strategies.
Garth; lower gas taxes and lower gas prices?, where are you coming from?
By PHIL ROMANENKO on 05.02.07 2:32 pm
You ARE FORGETTING the pre-eminent rule of tax law. If you give government the pretext of a tax increase, they will then use that to the fullest …
quickly followed by a misapplication of funds. [i.e. for their own initiatives]
Can you see any party standing in parliament advocating such a policy?
It’s like the tories drinking kool-aid.
Sorry for my spelling, I just refuse to put the Jim Jones ‘e’ on Kool Aid[e].
Here Garth, you may want to pass along this – that the soldiers in Afghanistan are “pissed off” – you know the ones that your leader pays lip service and says he supports them.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070502/NHL_kandahar_070502/20070502?hub=TopStories
I read the story. Sounds like the troops are pissed at the Globe and Mail, not Dion. But, nice try. — Garth
Rising gas prices is good for the environment – nothing else will get people out of their cars and conserve. You can’t ask for lower gas prices and say you are concerned about the environment. Where’s your head at Garth? Give yourself a shake! Nothing in Harper’s green plan put any pressure on individual citizens. Higher gas prices will – this is a good thing!
James – Chatham,
there is no other commodity that is concentrated in as few hands without any alternative. You want gas, you have to go to the oil companies and their sources and infrastructure. You can fill up at an independent station, but guess where that gets its gas from?
Where are the economists on this blog to explain how the mechanisms of the marketplace – supply, demand and competition – work in setting gas prices? Is the Great God Marketplace actually the Wizard of Oz doing his bit behind the curtain?
I would love a credible economic explanation, rather than the excuses and “oil peak” and environment rationales that are trooped out now and then.
I TRIED to watch QP yesterday, but after 1 minute I had to change chanells as I almost vomited. Know many have commented here about the dysfunctional QP but, for F**ks sake, can’t the government answer a question. I’m 59 and never seen a sitting govt this bad.
I think all of us should send a message to the speaker of the house.
Aren’t there any rules that the govt must respond to a question with an answer that actually addresses the question posed.
KPN
will be Van Lunatic, or this very angry man.
http://tinyurl.com/2ahetk
By Randy on 05.02.07 2:17 pm
Look closely at the subject of your photo. Is he or is he not worthy of a groomer/preener of the first magnitude?
He’s portly, a close companion of Pierre Poilievre, clearly bites his nails under pressure, and in great need of both a preener and diction coach.
He swings between WAG & SWAG, with the operative word being GUESS. Who knows, maybe he’ll become part of the breeding flock for PMSH’s new western species, the mountain kangarooo.
By Pyotr Petrobitch on 05.02.07 3:44 pm
Peter – I’ve been watching and looking at him for months and can sincerely say that I find him really scary – would not want to meet him afer dark anywhere.
KPN
KPN,
I find Baird’s body language scarey – he has got to stop “pointing” – that is simply RUDE. It’s a real turnoff – you don’t want to listen to someone like that – besides which he has NOTHING to say.
My question – why would the soldiers think the opposition parties are attacking them? Why isn’t Hillier making it clear.
He’s doing the Harper government hockey photo-op and mouthing off as usual. Hillier does speak fluent English and comprehends well I would presume – so why isn’t he making it clear to the soldiers – that’s his responsibility.
I wonder if Hillier should be fired – he’s not supposed to be “political”. His boss is actually the Govenor General and he is providing a service for “Canadians”. He’s actually terribly inappropriate.
While I’m at it – he had former hockey players over there – why wasn’t Ken Dryden included? Oh ya, he’s a Liberal.
I think the problem about the price of gas is no one’s come up with a reasonable explanation for it and the oil companies are rolling in money. All they need to do is provide a reasonable explanation. Let’s see what happens on the May 24th weekend – betcha it goes up.
I read the story. Sounds like the troops are pissed at the Globe and Mail, not Dion. But, nice try. — Garth
Keep believing what your new leader says.
I didn’t hear him say anything, actually, and the CTV story speaks for itself. — Garth
Hi,KPN: my dad’s almost 80 and says he’s never seen such a display in QP as with this government. Yes, he’s a born and bred Liberal, but he also faults the Speaker for not keeping decorum or demanding answers now and then.
It’s a disgrace.
I would love a credible economic explanation, rather than the excuses and “oil peak†and environment rationales that are trooped out now and then.
By Herb
You’re exactly correct. I do understand the so called economic reasons given forth, reduced oil supply, lack of refining capacity, world instability etc..etc..etc…
My point is that when alls well in the world, the downward reaction is slower, than the upward reaction when things go amiss.
Its called an Oligargy. (I better go look that up in the dictionary), not quite a monopoly but damn close.
The only way I can see to stop this is to enforce separation between drilling, production, refining and distribution.
That is for example Shell can’t own the well, the pipelines, the refinery, the delivery trucks and the pumps, either directly or through franchise. But unless we can prove anti-trust/competition, the markets are not going to want this and the ig oil lobbyists will get their way.
“I think all of us should send a message to the speaker of the house.” By KPN
I agree. What is the email of the speaker?
“Aren’t there any rules that the govt must respond to a question with an answer that actually addresses the question posed.” By KPN
There ought to be one if there ain’t one .
Garth, I started to watch the QP. Would you explain why there are those few folks in front of the speaker. They would stand up when the speaker stand up , and sit down when the speaker does the same. What roles do they play in QP? These folks look more like high school kids to me.
They are pages whose job it is to be slaves to MPs in the Houae. — Garth
Is there any doubt that you will be attacked? I would be amazed if it didn’t happen! Canadians are just beginning to see the ugly side of Harper. A ‘small’ man with a limited view of the country. If I was a betting man I’d put money on Harper and his lapdogs getting even more vicious if the government stays under pressure. As the stress on the CONS grows they will flail around even more than they are now. If you look at Harper’s history he has a habit of “picking up his ball and going home” when he doesn’t get his way. I just hope enough Canadians see through the facade he’s trying to hide behind…and turf these guys out of office as soon as possible. The future of the best country on earth hangs in the balance.
Garth, What is the speaker ability to throw/suspend for a period of time MP’s out of the house and not allowed to return until the apologized. Do you think if it was done it would have any kind of positive effect. I personally think it would, the coverage the MP’s thrown out of the House would receive would be humiliating.
I agree let’s get the price of gas way up it’ll protect the environment and the low income slobs well they can walk to work or just go on pogey. After all I’ve got enough money so I won’t have to sell my SUV.
Larry,
you can find all the e-mail addresses for members of the HoC at http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E
You’ll have to hit on the individual names to get their particulars.
Obviously the odd e-mail from the odd citizen will accomplish nothing. Been there, done that. They would get the message only if they got thousands for a while.
Watched part of QP again to-day and decided that that show must have the lowest ratings on TV and is not worth watching. Nothing but posturing, bad acting, attempts to embarrass members opposite, and fake outrage all around. Like any other unfunny sitcom.
It really is time to take out the garbage. Bring on the 600 janitors we need to do it.
Catherine: So what if the soldiers are upset? Perhaps they are upset that the Harper government has not given clear direction-perhaps they are upset because they too have heard the seven differing answers about the hand-over of detainees and who is actually doing the monitoring, perhaps they are upset because they are really pissed at having to hand over detainees to a country that historically has used torture in its jails.
Or perhaps they are just pissed because it is 52 degress C. and Hillier shows up with some old guys who want to play road hockey??
Kevin M,
Maybe? Harper you reading this? It’d be diffusing, honest and have the benefit of being true.
I came in late and just started reading from the top and read your comment. I love it, it is perfect. It would never happen. It should be sent to everyone who is muttering about what they can do for their poor hard done by constituants.
Oh, by the way. $1.27.2 in Vancouver today.
By the way Keith, thanks for your insightful comment (I believe it’s either the 26th or 27th comment from the top).
But ya, I e-mailed my Conservative MP Loyola Hearn on this topic in order to ask whether your comment (which I quoted and gave the link and directions on how to find it) reflected the explanation the Prime Minister would probably give in response to his issue shift.
And hey, sometimes it’s impossible to always keep your promises, because sometimes they are based on a lack of info. However, I believe that whenever a government changes its policies, the onus lies on the government to explain why they changed their position.
Gee:
I think ,perhaps,it is high time we consider the amount of traffic on our roads at any given time .
Staggering start times in cities would be effective in reducing grid-lock .
Some shifts would begin at 5am others at 6 am et cetera .
This would also help in lessening GHG’s minimally ,but still .
Something to think about .
By Jackie Chan’s Left Hand on 05.02.07 2:00 pm
…………………………………
Gee. It would have been better if YOU had done some thinking before trotting out this hoary chestnut as a solution. Have you ever had an original idea in your life?
Stay with copying and pasting. That’s your forte.
Gee Grammar P, You are such a helpful twit aren’t you? If that’s all you have to offer scott back to BT where I’m sure your wit is appreciated.
Jackie,
There has been talk of this one. And some places even tried it, weakly. There was an article I read not long ago about having employees telecommute. They found that the bosses didn’t like it tho the employees did. The bosses liked having their people where they could keep an eye on them. It didn’t matter that people were more efficient at home. Saved money with daycare and transit costs. Bosses like to have someone to boss. That was one of the main reasons for failure… lousy middle management. Big surprise.
The rest, people are creatures of habit. I had one place I worked for let me come in early as most of my accounts were back east. Three hour time difference. Four others drove in with me in the morning. We had a couple of months of bad sales (not me, crap shipment) so we all were punished. Rather than come in at 6:30 we had to come in at 9.am. Guess what, sales really dropped for the next couple of months after that. Then we got our hours back.
Oh yeah, They hated we we left early in the afternoon too. At 3:30 everyday, “What, are you leaving already”? sheesh! I made them more money!
but they have to play at being bosses.
Oh yeah, They hated we we left early in the afternoon too. At 3:30 everyday, “What, are you leaving already� sheesh! I made them more money!
but they have to play at being bosses.
By Georgine on 05.03.07 12:22 am
Thanks Georgine :
Yes,Beijing is reintroducing staggered starts .
BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) — Beijing’s employers are being urged to bring back staggered start times for their workers to try and ease rush hour traffic congestion.
Staggered starting times of the workday are one measure that will be included in the Beijing Municipal Transport Commission’s new set of policies that will be made public in December, according to sources with the commission. The commission also says work units in the city should provide shuttle busses for their employees.
Beijing has 2.9 million registered motor vehicles, including about 67,000 taxis and 2.2 million private cars.
Experts with the commission said that building more roads is not the answer to alleviating traffic tie-ups.
The city needs to encourage people to drive less or even give up driving to work, said professor Duan Liren, former vice director of the municipal transport bureau.
He says staggered hours and more shuttle buses are likely to help relieve traffic congestion.
They need it with the Olympics coming and all .
LA county has been doing it for years .
Georgine:
Yea, I know it relies on commitment from industry .
It is a start .
Just ignore Grammar. Stupid friggin’ name that is .
His mommy only lets him on the computer 3,hours a day and he is frustrated .
Georgine,
“scott back to BT”
Please translate to English.
Did the motion sickness pills not help you today? Perhaps living on an ocean isn’t sophisticated as I had thought.
Catherine, My guess is Rick Hillier is the one that’s pissed off, not the soldiers. He is pathetic. If you would simply take off your blinders, you might have a different scope on reality.
Irene,
How wrong you are! Soldiers who are aware that they place themselves in danger everyday are tired of having that personal risk pushed aside by even the accusations that they are somehow involved in breaking the Convention does piss them off royally. I think what you need to understand is that as far as I know Canada is not ‘officially’ at war with Afghanistan (or Pakistan). The arrangements for handling prisoners were put in place by their political masters (and if you try and put that on Hillier then you are willing ignoring the concept of ministerial responsibility).
Jeez, at this point there have been only accusations of torture by the Afghan authorities placed by prisoners who are ‘trained’ to report their treatment as being bad.
So Irene, I can tell you ‘the soldiers’ are pissed by this sideshow of politicians (and the media) trying to brush them as being somehow involved in torture. It is this type of ‘propaganda’ that the Taliban will use to strengthen their resolve and paint our soldiers as being those responsible.
And I don’t doubt that Hillier is pissed as well. Having met him, he is a straight-up, commonsense, do the right thing for the soldiers’ kind of guy.
Ed the Hun
I think everyone has still missed the real issue here. Gas prices have gone up because the reserve has dipped. The refineries have cut back production and the reserve has dipped. Rerfineries owned by BIG OIL. BIG OIL owns the full supply chain from start to end. The issue here is that no matter how the world economy is effected, BIG OIL will continue to have double digit increases in profit. They just move the ‘costs’ to another point in the supply chain to ensure this, whether it is manipulation of the commodity market or just plain price increase. The whole tax issue is a red herring to cover this up.
A small point: You state that you are going to “ask a single question”, and then list three questions. As for the answer, it
is obvious.
A sinmgle question means no supementary — no opportunity to counter an initial response. — Garth
[...] Well here, right the from the mouth of Garth Turner, one of the most visible MP’s on the Liberal Team, we have proof positive that the Liberal Party has NOT turned Green, but is instead the same old party taking on the issues that concern Canadians as a matter of self-serving convenience. (Links to Garth Turner’s Blog) http://www.garth.ca/weblog/2007/05/02/qp-today/ [...]