Ontario Liberal candidate Granville Anderson said there might be a “silver lining” to record high gas prices, because it could motivate people to not drive to work. .“Maybe that’s a silver lining and that might allow people to think outside the box and say maybe I better look at seeing if I can ride a bike to work or buy an electric car or find a different mode of transportation,” said Anderson at a community debate on May 10. .While gas prices could be lower, Anderson said it might “allow us to think twice and probably find another mode of transportation.”.The Ontario Progressive Conservatives condemned him for these remarks. .“In many parts of the province, driving a car is not a luxury – it’s a necessity,” said the Ontario PCs. .“While Mr. Anderson may have said the quiet part out loud, this is exactly how the Del Duca-Wynne Liberals think.”.The Ontario PCs said a carbon tax is designed to raise gas prices to the point where people have to make alternative transportation choices. The party said it would combat high gas prices by lowering the gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre. .Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca said he would reduce the gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre and the fuel tax by 5.3 cents per litre for six months effective July 1 if elected. Del Duca vowed to implement a carbon tax on large emitters. .Gas prices across Canada topped $2 per litre for the first time on May 17. .Natural Resources Canada said the average price across Canada for regular gas hit $2.06 per litre last week for an all-time high..The average was a nine-cent jump from the $1.97 per litre record set the prior week, and it has gone up 30 cents a litre since mid April..Anderson and the Ontario Liberals could not be reached for comment in time for publication.
