September 17, 1997
(Government Services and Lands)

The following is being distributed at the request of Dennis M. Browne, Q.C.:

Questions put to the oil companies: consumer advocate seeks information

Consumer advocate Dennis Browne has submitted a series of detailed questions to the oil companies doing business in the province.

Irving, Ultramar, Petro Canada, Imperial Oil, and North Atlantic Petroleum have each been forwarded in excess of 60 questions concerning their retail operations in the province. Several of the oil companies have requested an extension of the time in which to respond to the questions. Browne stated: "We need specific information from the oil companies in order to conduct a proper study of the industry."

Browne also stated: "Previously, the oil companies have pledged their cooperation in our study. We are seeking their voluntary compliance in responding to each question which has been posed, and we hope that a goodwill which the oil companies have exhibited to date will continue."

In the meantime, the research phase of the study continues in an attempt to provide consumers with the reasons for variations in gasoline pricing throughout the province and determine if regulation should be introduced or what other options may be available to government.

Contact: Dennis Browne, Q.C. (709) 754-1800