IT'S TIME FOR A PRIME MINSTER WHO'LL STAND UP FOR CONSUMERS AND TAKE ON BIG OIL AND THEIR PRICE GOUGING, SAYS MARSTON

HAMILTON – NDP Candidate, Wayne Marston (Hamilton East – Stoney Creek) believes that this recent price hike in the gas prices is just another example of why the NDP and Jack Layton should be Canada’s next government.

Today, the NDP released its practical plan to help make life more affordable for ordinary consumers, by not only talking about the rising gas prices, but also addressing the unfair charges families face from banks, credit card companies and cell phone companies.

New Democrat Leader Jack Layton today blasted the “unacceptable and outrageous” practices of many banks, oil companies, telecom and credit-card firms for contributing to the income squeeze on working and middle class families.
“Everyday Canadians are paying millions of dollars every year due to price-gouging and hidden fees of all sorts,” said Layton. ”The situation is so bad that even voices in the business community are rising in protest.”

The NDP outlined five practical measures to stop hidden fees and help consumers:

• End hidden fees with laws requiring full disclosure of charges by banks, cell-phone operators, and other companies. Including the unfair practice of charging more for cell phone text messages.
• Ban ATM fees.
• Stop price gouging at the gas pumps.
• Put a cap on interest rates and fees charged by ‘fringe banks’.
• Cap the interest rates on credit cards.

“Consumers deserve protection. I am running again to be the federal representative for Hamilton East – Stoney Creek so that I can work to stop hidden fees and price gouging and help make life affordable for everyday families”, said Marston.