While Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents blame government taxes for higher gas prices, residents in BC and Quebec lay the blame elsewhere.

An Angus Reid survey found that 47 per cent of BC residents think prices are high because oil companies want to maximize their profits.

Quoting UBC’s Dr. Werner Antweiler, BC Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston says blaming the oil companies – and not taxes – is the correct thing to do,

“What he said, and I’m quoting, [cutting taxes] would do absolutely nothing for consumers,” he said. “The idea that if you knock a penny or two off the taxes that the oil companies wouldn’t jack up the price and take the difference is just not reality, it’s fantasy.”

The BC Utilities Commission is looking into soaring gas prices after a broad terms of reference was released by the province yesterday.

In B.C., Ralston says the carbon tax is responsible for just one cent of the recent hike.

“In those other provinces, the all have premiers where they are blaming for their own reasons carbon taxes for a lot of things, that I don’t think are fairly attributed to carbon taxes,” he added. “That may have an influence on public opinion in those provinces, that’s my guess.”

The BCUC has until August 30 to present their final report.

They will be able to compel oil companies to explain the price hike, and will also look at market factors affecting both  wholesale and retail prices, while also looking at price fluctuations, and possibly price fixing or gouging.

The commission has also been tasked with explaining the difference in refining margins between B.C. and the rest of Canada.