NLIS 1
August 12, 2003
(Government Services and Lands)

 

The following is being distributed at the request of Petroleum Products Pricing Commission:

Commissioner, research team head to coastal Labrador

George Saunders and the research staff of the Petroleum Products Pricing Commission (PPPC) are getting ready to experience coastal Labrador and all issues related to fuel supply and pricing.

The commissioner, accompanied by David Toms and David Hillier, will head to Happy Valley-Goose Bay August 17 to prepare for a visit to several communities along coastal Labrador as part of an ongoing province-wide fact-finding tour.

The PPPC team will be joined by Wayne Broomfield, senior analyst with the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, for a three-day tour of Rigolet, Postville, Makkovik, Hopedale Nain, and Churchill Falls.

Mr. Saunders calls this trip both significant and important as it will deal with several petroleum-related issues that are unique to the region.

While there, the group will meet with community representatives to discuss several issues such as security of supply as it relates to petroleum products and price, the freezing of fuel prices during winter, scheduling of petroleum deliveries to coastal communities, and any other matters residents would like to discuss with the commission.

"The research staff is joining me because it�s a unique opportunity for us to closely examine the local petroleum distribution network along coastal Labrador," said Mr. Saunders. "As well, the people there will have a thorough understanding of the kind of work we do. This visit will ensure that the lines of communication are kept open and we have a clear vision of the area and its infrastructure."

To date, the fact-finding tour has given the commission the chance to speak with industry and community representatives and ensure their concerns are heard, as well as give them a better sense of the commission�s mandate.

"We have learned a lot about the petroleum products network in the province, and we will take this information and apply it to any future decisions we may need to make about pricing," said the commissioner. "It�s also been beneficial for us to continue to educate people about what we do. Public awareness is always an important goal of our office.

"We are looking forward to visiting these Labrador communities and seeing how their issues and concerns may vary from more urban areas of the province. It is imperative to have a complete comprehension of issues they face that aren�t evident elsewhere."

If anyone would like to speak with Mr. Saunders and the team during any part of their visit, please contact the Grand Falls-Windsor office toll-free at 1-866-489-8800 to make arrangements.

ITINERARY

August 18:

  • Depart Happy Valley-Goose Bay at 9:00 a.m. for Rigolet;
  • Leave Rigolet at 1:00 p.m. and head to Postville;
  • Leave Postville at 5:00 p.m. for Makkovik � this will be an overnight stay;

August 19:

  • Leave Makkovik at 9:00 a.m. and travel to Hopedale;
  • Leave Hopedale at 1:00 p.m. for Nain;
  • Depart Nain at 6:00 p.m. and return to Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

August 20:

  • Visit Churchill Falls � time to be determined;
  • Depart Labrador for St. John�s.

Media contact: Michelle Hicks, Communications. 1-866-489-8800 or (709) 489-8837. Cell: (709) 486-4789.

2003 08 12                                       9:20 a.m.


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