NDP blocked in bid for debate on Alberta gas prices

Last Updated: Monday, May 26, 2008 | 5:36 PM ET

CBC News

NDP Leader Brian Mason said Albertans need help coping with soaring pump prices. Gas prices averaged $1.22 in Calgary last week. (CBC)

The NDP has been thwarted in its bid to pass a motion to hold an emergency debate on rising gas prices and how they're affecting Albertans.

Party leader Brian Mason had said he planned to ask the provincial legislature to hold a debate on the issue Monday afternoon, but Speaker Ken Kowalski rejected the idea.

To back his decision not to put the motion to a vote, Kowalski went through some of his own gas receipts. He said he found some from last Friday showing he paid the same for gasoline in Edmonton as he did at the end of April.

Mason had argued that average Albertan families were being hurt by high gasoline prices.

"The government has just been, I guess, cashing in on this like the big oil companies, and not really doing anything to help the people of the province, so I think it's time we had this debate," Mason said, adding that one of his biggest questions is why people in other parts of the country pay less for gas than Albertans, even though most of the country's oil comes from their province.

Gas prices averaged $1.22 per litre last week in Calgary, and $1.21 in Edmonton, according to Calgary-based pump-watcher MJ Erven.

Mason said that he believes drivers are being gouged at the pumps, and the province should step in.

"More support for public transit would be an idea," he said suggesting that gas rebates for people who have fuel-efficient vehicles would be another option.

In the past, the government has been called upon to lower the provincial gas tax when prices soar. But Mason said he doesn't believe that would be the answer.

He said he also would like the legislature to address the problem of the huge profits being recorded by major oil and gas companies.

Premier Ed Stelmach said there's no role for the province "in this particular area," noting that Alberta has the lowest gas tax at nine cents a litre.