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Protecting Consumers

July 20, 2010

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who came to our recent constituent clinics held in Milton, North Burlington and North Oakville. Since then, we have received many positive comments from people who appreciate the opportunity to speak with me, who otherwise would not be able to during regular business hours.
 
During these meetings, it became increasingly evident that many people in Burlington remain worried about the economy and their personal financial security.
 
Yes, Canada is beginning to see positive signs of recovery, however, as we ready ourselves to enjoy the nice weather, many people face some very real financial hurdles that could limit plans to relax and spend time with the family this summer.
 
As many of you prepare to take road trips this season, know that our government has taken action to help protect you and ensure fairness when you fill up the tank. Too often faulty gas pumps mean you are not getting all the gas that you pay for. Our Fairness at the Pumps Act will increase the number of mandatory inspections to protect consumers from overpaying for goods and services. At gas stations alone, this would increase the number of inspections from 8,000 to 65,000. Our Conservative Government is taking the right action to protect families at the gas pumps.
 
And when paying for that gas, know that our government is also working on a new Code of Conduct for the Debit and Credit industries. These cards serve as convenient forms of payment, but many find the rules and regulations confusing. Hidden fees can cause shock when the statement arrives in the mail. To make debit and credit card companies more accountable to Canadians, the Conservative Government is working to create fair, user-friendly rules and regulations on important factors such as hidden fees.
 
When you are finally ready to hit our great Canadian roads, be assured that our recent investments in infrastructure will get you where you need to go. Under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the governments of Canada and Ontario are providing $138.7 million in joint funding for 43 infrastructure improvements to highways, bridges and local roads across Ontario, many of those right here in Halton.
 
Our Conservative Government will continue to deliver what Canadians from coast to coast to coast have asked for, and I will work as hard as I can to protect consumers like you at this difficult time.