By Jack McLeman
Labour Columnist

We are constantly inundated in the press with talk of real or possible fuel shortages and the excuses multiply for increasing heating and motor fuel prices.
One excuse given is the rising Canadian dollar.
Canada has a surplus of oil and gas and is able to export that surplus.
Why is our oil priced in US dollars?
I just returned from a visit to Alberta and the big question on street was “why are all the Canadian refineries shut down and gas coming in from the U.S.?”
I don’t know how to confirm this statement, but with the recent large jumps in prices it is entirely possible.
Remember the first “OPEC Crisis?”
During that time, the refineries announced closures due to over capacity. How else can prices keep going up?
Just shut off the tap and create a shortage.
Oil companies have never considered showing anything that resembles a conscience so why start now?
Now our governments are trying to help us save fuel by boosting the taxes “for the environment.”
The high fuel costs are not only driving up our everyday cost of living, but making more expensive everything we make and sell. Jobs are affected and unemployment rises.

Labour’s Day Of Mourning
April 28 is the day we remember those lost and injured on the job locally and around the world. Our service of remembrance will be Monday April 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the Steelworkers Hall.
Two minutes silence will follow.

PADLC AGM
The labour council is holding its AGM on Tuesday April 15 at 7:30 PM at the Steelworkers Hall.
We have invited the MLA, mayor and many others to report on their areas of influence. However the important part of the meeting is the election of next year’s officers. With the legislative attacks continuing on workers who we have representing us becomes even more important.
The Labour Council has been hit with the recent local shut downs and layoffs and some of our present executive will not be able to stand for re election.
The public is invited to come and visit our meeting but only delegates can vote.


Remember to support those who support you. Shop local, buy Canadian and look for the union label.