Press Release

Year Published:  1980
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX1059

Abstract: 
The 20,000 member United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers Union has called on Prime Minister Joe Clark and his government to place an immediate moratorium on further increases in the price of domestic oil and gas and on the sale of PetroCan to the private sector.

In a letter to the Prime Minister from the union president, C.S. Jackson, the labour organization also calls on the government to establish a full public inquiry with wide powers to call witnesses and secure all relevant statistical information from the oil industry. This would be considered the first step to the development of a national energy policy that would meet Canada's needs and interests.

The union sees the terms of reference for such a public inquiry including:

- The pricing policies and profit position of the oil and gas industry,
- The viability of two-price system for Candian oil and gas.
- The availability and extent of present and future oil and gas supplies in Canada.
- Exploration and development.
- Transmission facilities to Eastern Canada.
- The question of whether Canadian interests and needs would be better served by bringing the petroleum
industry under public ownership and control.

The union also feels that such an inquiry should be held with wide public involvment, including representation from labour, consumer, farmer, and otehr people-oriented groups.