To the editor:
On Aug. 21, the price of gasoline in Kamloops was $1.23.9 (Costco was a penny less), while in 100 Mile House it was $1.39.9.
I e-mailed Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod in this regard.
I received an e-mail from her explaining the province has the ability to regulate gas prices, the federal government can only exert influence through Industry Canada and the Competition Bureau only in cases where there is evidence of bid rigging or inaccurate pump readings.
In my e-mail, I suggested there was no way an oil company could justify a difference of 16 cents per litre in just 200 kilometres and that all the oil companies in town change price, if not at the same time, then on the same day.
Cathy urges us that if we suspect illegal activity to lodge a complaint with the Competition Bureau. The toll free number is 1-800-348-5358 or e-mail to compbureau@cb-bc.qc.ca.
In Quebec, they had success when concerned citizens contacted the bureau.
Following Cathy's e-mail, I e-mailed Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett and to date have received no reply.
On Sept. 23, we were in Kamloops, and at that time, Kamloops lowest price (other than Costco) was $1.19.9 per litre while in 100 Mile House it was 1.35.9.
It is a difference of 16 cents per litre (and for those of us that remember, that's over 72 cents per gallon).
100 Mile House is getting to be, if not, the most expensive small town in British Columbia to live in. It gives me the impression we are not wanted here.
R. Cole
70 Mile House