Premier says gas shortage a wake-up call for Ontario

HAMILTON (CP) – The ongoing gasoline shortage is a reminder of how vulnerable Ontario motorists are and how we need to lessen our reliance on imported oil, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday.

McGuinty said people have been patient with the shortage, but noted it’s an important reminder to use more ethanol, more public transit and to drive more fuel-efficient cars since Ontario doesn’t have oil in the ground and is dependent on imports.

“It reminds us of our vulnerability,” he said in Hamilton after announcing a $15 million grant to McMaster University for automotive research.

“We should be thinking all the time about how it is we can use less of the stuff.”

The province has to support more initiatives like the research at McMaster that involves developing lighter-weight, more fuel-efficient cars, McGuinty said.

Canadian Press