First-Time Readers Newsletter - March 2000

First-Time Readers		March 2000

I did my research on gas and oil prices by calling around Labrador and having interviews with people. I found that prices are different around Labrador. I was really surprised to find out how different the prices were. These are the prices in Labrador.

Community	Oil	Gas
Lanse au Clair	52.9	82.9
Lanse au Loup	58.9	82.9
Mary's Harbour	56.0	91.5
Cartwright	61.9	94.9
Labrador City	52.3
Goose Bay	52.9	83.9
Black Tickle	61.9	91.9
Davis Inlet	56.9	84.9
Nain	91.9	95.0

I interviewed two people from Labrador, one worked at the Learning Center and the other worked with the Combined Councils of Labrador. When I interviewed these people, this is what I found about their opinion on gas and oil prices.

Ann Bolger:	*How much gas or home heating oil do you burn in a week?*
Barb:	I burn about $70 worth of gas in a week. I used to burn $50 a week in the fall.
Phillip:	I burn about $40 worth of gas in a week. I burn about $100 in home heating oil every two weeks.

Ann Bolger:	*How do you feel when they put the prices up?*
Barb:	It made me angry. It seems that I am always putting gas in my van. I put $280 worth of gas in my van each month. It's a lot of money to spend in gas.
Phillip:	I don't like it but there's not much we can do about it.

Ann Bolger:	Do you agree about the prices they put on gas and oil?
Barb:	I don't understand where the prices come from. Why is gas so cheap in the United States and so expensive here in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Phillip:	No, I don't agree, but it's a world commodity. Not much we can do about gas and oil prices.

Ann Bolger:	*Do you think is right for them to put the prices up?*
Barb:	I think the oil companies need to explain the price changes to the customers. Why are the prices changing so often?
Phillip:	They are a business. They probably want to keep prices low but it is out of their control.

Ann Bolger:	Do you think they should keep the prices down?
Barb:	I think there should be some way in which oil and gas companies are responsible to consumers. They should have to explain increases. They seem to be able to do what they want.
Phillip:	Not much they can do or anyone can do about it.

Andrew Brake attends the Learn for Tomorrow Centre in Marystown.
He writes this story about gas prices.

Gas prices are too high. That means that the taxi fares have gone up. A return trip from Marystown to St. John's that used to cost $50 has gone up to $60. The poor people can't afford to pay this. Local taxis have not put up their fares so they are going in the hole because of gas prices. One cab owner told me that four drivers sitting in the taxi stand didn't make twenty dollars between them in one morning. They can't keep that up for very long. The government should do something about this.

Thanks to our learners!

The editorial committee would like to thank everyone who wrote to us and shared their stories. Learners from around the province are always pleased to hear your thoughts. For any learner who' would like to share a story, please contact us at:

Literacy Development Council
Arts & Culture Centre, Allandale Road
St. John's, NF A1B 3A3

1-800-563-1111