[38] Bill 228 Original (PDF)
Bill 228 2007
An Act to require advance notice of gasoline price increases
Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:
Purpose
1. The purpose of this Act is to eliminate sudden increases in the price of gasoline by requiring retailers to provide the public with advance notice of and reasons for increases.
Definitions
2. In this Act,
"gasoline" means any gas or liquid that may be used for the purpose of generating power for a motor vehicle; ("essence")
"motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in the Highway Traffic Act; ("véhicule automobile")
"prescribed" means prescribed by the regulations made under this Act; ("prescrit")
"retailer" means a person who sells gasoline to a person to be used by the person in a motor vehicle. ("détaillant")
Advance notice required
3. (1) A retailer shall provide advance notice to the public of any increase in the price at which it will sell gasoline.
Same
(2) The notice,
(a) shall be provided,
(i) in the prescribed manner, and
(ii) at least 72 hours before the price is increased; and
(b) shall state the reasons for the price increase.
Offence
4. Every person who fails to comply with section 2 is guilty of an offence, and, on conviction,
(a) in the case of an individual, is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 12 months, or to both;
(b) in the case of a corporation, is liable to a fine of not more than $500,000.
Regulations
5. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations prescribing anything that is referred to in this Act as being prescribed.
Commencement
6. This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.
Short title
7. The short title of this Act is the Gas Prices Notice Act, 2007.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Bill enacts the Gas Prices Notice Act, 2007, which requires retailers to provide advance notice to the public of any increase in the price at which gasoline will be sold.