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Councillor intends to introduce gas price motion next month

'Why would you add an extra two cents to gas but not postpone that at least, or scrap it when we are facing probably what's going to be one of the trickiest and toughest economic climates in generations?'
20200407 gas price 79.6 turl
Gas is hovering around the 80 cent mark in North Bay. Jeff Turl/BayToday.

City councillor Mike Anthony says he plans to introduce a motion next month opposing the recent increase of gas prices due to the federal carbon tax plan. He's also concerned with the plan that the federal government has for similar a similar increase in 2022.

Gas prices went up  2.5 cents a litre for consumers in Ontario last Wednesday as the federal carbon tax kicked into another gear.

The tax has drawn heat from politicians and people who say it will harm the economy and put too much of a financial burden on consumers.

The first phase kicked in last year and added about five cents a litre.

"This is during the COVID-19 crisis," said a frustrated Mike Anthony. "Why would you add an extra two cents to gas but not postpone that at least, or scrap it when we are facing probably what's going to be one of the trickiest and toughest economic climates in generations because of the situation. It doesn't make sense to me."

Anthony says he's going to find a seconder to his motion.

Last week's carbon tax hike from $20 per tonne to $30 per tonne is in keeping with the plan to raise it by $10 per tonne each year until 2022.

"Every one of those will add the 2.5 cent to what you are paying for gas. We're looking at a serious time. The economy won't be where it was one year from now. It's bad enough we've had the jump this year. Will it happen next year?"


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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