Ottawa Ontario — In response to concerns amongst SDSG constituents, Guy Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, is pleased to provide an update on propane shortages and price increases in Eastern Ontario.Yesterday during question period, Member of Parliament Rick Norlock, Chair of the Eastern and Northern Ontario Caucus, addressed this issue directly with the Minister of Natural Resources.

“Speaker: The Honourable member for Northumberland-Quinte-West.

Rick Norlock (CPC): Mr. Speaker, families in northern and eastern Ontario worry about the availability and high prices of propane. This winter has been especially difficult on residents who rely on propane to heat their homes. While some provinces regulate the pricing of propane, Ontario does not. Can the Minister of natural resources update this house on action our government is taking to ensure families aren’t left out in the cold?

Speaker: The Honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

Joe Oliver (CPC): I understand how important this issue is to families who rely on affordable propane to heat their homes. This is especially true since Ontario families have already been hit by higher energy prices. It is within the jurisdiction of the government of Ontario to regulate the distribution and pricing of propane. Our government cares about fairness for home owners so we will be asking the National Energy Board and the Competition Bureau to review propane market issues including high prices and scarcity.”

MP Lauzon understands how important reliable and affordable supplies of propane are for families who rely on it to heat their homes. That is why MP Lauzon has committed to use all means at his disposal to address this crisis affecting many rural constituents in SDSG.