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Dan-in-Ottawa

Federal government could do more to curb inflation

Battling inflation

Almost daily, I hear serious concerns from local residents about the significant impact the current gas and diesel prices are having on many families.

As I reminded government MPs in Ottawa recently, during debate on the Budget Implementation Act, in many parts of our region driving a vehicle is the only way some people can access healthcare and medical appointments or the nearest school.

The high gas and diesel prices also have another negative impact. As I heard from many small and mid-sized business owners, the shipping and transport costs to receive goods have also increased significantly. That, in turn, means prices must be increased at a time when groceries and other items are already under cost pressure due to high inflation rates.

Ultimately, high gasoline and diesel prices have a negative impact on Canadian households and are causing economic harm.

This is why every other G7 nation has a government that is actively implementing measures to try and provide cost relief to their residents on fuel prices as a way to help increase affordability and mitigate inflation.

Unfortunately, here in Canada, the government, supported by the NDP, refuses to take similar action to help Canadians facing these devastating fuel prices.

This week, the Conservatives tabled a motion in the House of Commons that proposed the following measures:

• Temporarily suspending the GST collected on gasoline and diesel

• Suspending the carbon tax

• Eliminating tariffs on fertilizer

• Enabling the free flow of goods across the Canadian border

• Supporting the recovery of the tourism sector

• Protecting the jobs of federally regulated employees by immediately removing all federal COVID restrictions

• Curbing speculation in the housing market by immediately launching a national public inquiry into money laundering.

The motion proposed measures to help increase affordability and help combat inflation, much like other G7 nations are doing. Unfortunately, the government voted the motion down, with the support of the NDP.
I say unfortunately because it is estimated inflation alone will cost the average Canadian an extra $2,000 this year.

While these proposed measures would not address all of that additional cost, they would be a step in the right direction to ensure Canadians keep more of the money they earn in their households by sending less to Ottawa.

My question this week:

Do you believe the federal government should be playing a greater role in trying to increase affordability and at the same time make greater efforts to mitigate inflation?

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola and the co-chair of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations.

Before entering public life, Dan was the owner of Kick City Martial Arts, responsible for training hundreds of men, women and youth to bring out their best.

Dan  is consistently recognized as one of Canada’s top 10 most active Members of Parliament on Twitter (@danalbas) and also continues to write a weekly column published in many local newspapers and on this website.

Dan welcomes comments, questions and concerns from citizens and is often available to speak to groups and organizations on matters of federal concern. 

He can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free at 1-800-665-8711.



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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