Ralston Applauds Efforts to Fight High Gas Prices

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2007

SURREY -- Surrey - Whalley New Democrat MLA Bruce Ralston today applauded the Surrey Board of Trade’s decision to join the fight against high gas prices.

Ralston was commenting on the Surrey Board of Trade’s endorsement of the Vancouver radio station CKNW’s campaign to fight high gas prices, which is being led by the CKNW World Today host John McComb. Ralston said his constituency office is also carrying copies of CKNW’s petition to reduce gas prices and is inviting residents of Surrey to drop in and sign it.

“I have closely followed the important role CKNW has played in highlighting the problem of exorbitant gas prices – an issue that has wide ranging impact on us all,” said Ralston. “I appreciate its efforts to use its reach - and help make a difference in people’s lives impacted by high gas prices.”

NDP Energy Critic John Horgan has tabled a private member’s bill in the B.C. Legislature, the Retail Petroleum Consumer Protection Act, which would protect consumers from wildly fluctuating gasoline prices.

Earlier this month, Ralston was invited as a guest on CKNW’s World Today as part of a live broadcast in Surrey highlighting this issue. Ralston has encouraged Surrey residents to support this campaign.

“I support John Horgan’s private member’s bill, which is a reflection of our commitment on this important issue.

“By carrying CKNW’s petition in my office, I hope to promote awareness about it - as well as allow more people in Surrey to get to know NDP’s stance on the issue of gas prices,” said Ralston.

A recent Ipsos Reid survey shows that a majority of Canadians believe the recent spike in gas prices is the result of gouging, not a disruption in production and want the government to deal with high pump prices.

Ralston encouraged Surrey residents to drop in to his office and support the campaign.

“Clearly, the issue of high gas prices is gaining momentum throughout the province - and I am pleased to work with the citizens as we fight back,” said Ralston.

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Contact: Neera Ritcey, 604-317-4450