Canada to Review Gas Pump Tampering

Whether malicious or unintentional, bill seeks to penalize gasoline retailers for faulty measuring devices.

April 22, 2010

OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO - Canada??s lawmakers will review legislation today that addresses overpricing at the pump as a result of faulty measuring devices, The Sun Times reports.

Industry Minister Tony Clement is expected to unveil the government??s Fairness at the Pump Act in Vancouver, a law that would hold gasoline retailers accountable ?" whether their actions were deliberate or unintentional ?" for operating faulty measuring devices.

"Consumers are upset, so we're taking action," said a senior government official, estimating that some motorists are overpaying by up to $2 (CDN) per fill-up.

The legislation is expected to include substantial fines. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) said that the measure is misdirected and is it is urging the government to take more meaningful steps to help consumers at the pump.

"They can pretend and nibble around the edges all they want about this overcharging, but that is not really what people care about," said CTF federal director Kevin Gaudet.

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