With gas prices rising to record levels, the Conservatives say they will get tougher on gas stations that have inaccurate pumps.
Industry Minister Jim Prentice told CTV's Mike Duffy Live that "it's a consumer confidence issue."
"We all need to know that when we go to the gas pumps we can rely on what that pump says ... we want to see industry (retailers) undertake the costs of verifying each pump within every two years," he said.
Prentice told Mike Duffy Live that a 10-year analysis showed that as many as three per cent of pumps were not accurate. Prentice is proposing changes to the way gas stations are monitored that could take effect as soon as this fall.
However, he did not specify how much money consumers might save due to the proposed bureaucratic changes.
In addition to requiring verification of pumps every two years, gas stations would face tougher fines if there is evidence of price gouging. Right now, retailers that cheat consumers face $1,000 fines, but under new rules the fines could go up to $10,000.
"We'll also have another offence for more aggravated circumstances where it's part of a repeat pattern or there's clear evidence that consumers are being taken advantage of -- and the penalties will be even higher in those cases," Prentice said.
NDP Leader Jack Layton said in the House of Commons Monday that the government needs to set up an ombudsman's office to protect consumers.
"This government does not stand with the middle class," Layton said.
But Prentice said an ombudsman isn't needed because there is no evidence that one is required. He added that there has never been any proof that any collusion to control competition or prices within the oil industry or its retail sector.
