AMHERST, N.S. - Plans to hold public hearings on lowering the gas tax in Amherst have drawn the ire of Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil.
McNeil feels the NDP government has its mind made up on cutting the gas tax near the New Brunswick border and holding the only public meeting on the issue in Amherst is a blatant attempt to undermine the consultative process.
"By taking it just to Amherst, they'll know the answer before they go," he said Wednesday. "It's nothing more than a public relations exercise by the NDP government.
"By holding the lone meeting in Amherst, they're going where they'll get the answer they want. Who's going to be opposed to paying less for gas? Meanwhile the rest of Nova Scotia is not going to get an opportunity to weigh in."
The Utility and Review Board has scheduled hearings in Amherst on Jan. 27 to discuss the government's plan to stagger gas taxes across the province. Under the proposal, those living farther from the border would pay more for fuel than those neighbouring New Brunswick.
"What the NDP is doing is creating an artificial border within our province and that is fundamentally unfair," said McNeil. "Moving the border simply moves the problem. Slicing up our province is never the answer."
He believes the government should hold consultations across the province, saying people from Yarmouth to Sydney deserve an opportunity to provide feedback on what he feels is a flawed piece of public policy.
"Clearly, the NDP isn't interested in real feedback," McNeil said, adding gas regulation caused the problem. "Adding even more regulation isn't the answer. Two wrongs don't make a right."
Cumberland North member Brian Skabar, who first proposed a tax break for the Amherst area during last summer's election campaign, said McNeil is being silly.
"We're trying to give businesses in Nova Scotia more of a level playing field against Aulac and Sackville and giving people less reason to cross the border to shop," he said.
Wayne Duffy, who operates an Esso service station in downtown Amherst, said smaller operators are relying on this hearing for some relief.
"I have had people come here to put a few dollars in their tank so they could get to New Brunswick," said Duffy. "Lowering the tax would make us more competitive.
"The way it is now is not working."
Liberal leader says all Nova Scotians deserve say in gas tax cut plan
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Published on
January 7, 2010
- Published on February 25, 2010
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The Canadian Press ~ The News
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Comments
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- Keith
- - March 1, 2010 at 15:40:11
I agree with giving the Amherst area a break, but only if the gov't doesn't try to offset the decrease there by increasing the gas tax in the other parts of the province.
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- flogger
- - March 1, 2010 at 15:39:43
Jeeez, just when you think you've heard everything from the kooky NDP...
