. Castlagar News _orory 27, 1988 Consumers feel gas too pricey By SHAWN McCARTHY Canadian Press TORONTO Canada's big oil companies have an image problem. Despite expensive public sponsoring everything from Olympic torch runs to minor hockey — large, integrated oil companies remain a popular target for skeptical consumers who feel cheated. Whenever crude prices start to slide, as they have this winter, letters start pouring into the Consumers’ Association of Canada from motorists wondering why they're not getting a break and why U.S. prices are Jower. Most consumers suspect the oil companies are slower to drop gasoline prices when the cost of crude falls than they are in raising pump prices when the price of crude goes up Such suspicion seemed to be confirmed this week when the federal government released a year-end report noting gasoline prices had increased 5.6 cents a litre in 1987, and that the difference between U.S. and Canadian prices had grown by nearly three cents a litre to 16.2 cents Cdn. The companies and some industry analysts say many factors combine to set retail prices, with crude costs representing one third of the retail gas price. relations campaigns “Product and crude markets are, at times, quite independent,” says the federal government's monthly Petroleum Product Market Report, providing the annual figures and its December report this week. “Product prices can, over some periods, move in opposite direction to crude prices . .. Ultimately it is the marketplate and competition which dictate oil product price levels.” The image of the oil industry as price gouger was reinforced earlier this decade when the federal director of combines investigations charged the major companies had cheated consumers of $12 billion between 1958 and 1973. A five-year inquiry by the Restrictive Trade Prac- tices Commission concluded in 1986 that the charge was “misconceived,” though there was “unavoidably high concentration” in the refining sector. In Canada, Imperial Oil, PetroCan, Texaco Canada and Shell Canada are the only companies with oil and gas wells and countrywide refining and marketing oper. ations. Since last summer, the widely quoted price of West Texas Intermediate — a benchmark North American crude — has fallen to $17.25 U.S. from just over $22 U.S., with Canadian crude prices showing a similar slide. Most motorists ani people heating homes with oil haven't seen benefits, though there have been price cuts in more competitive markets such as southern Ontario, PRICES UP In some places, the price of regular leaded gas. is higher now than in the summer. In Toronto, where the big companies face tougher competition from lower-cost, imported product, pump prices for leaded gas have fallen to 43.8 cents from 47.5 cents in August. Commercial fuel users have been hard hit. One industry consultant says oil companies have increased prices on sel and heating oil for contract buyers by an average 7.5 per cent since summer. “There are those who will call it rip-off,” wrote Terry Slack, of En-Pro Associates in a recent newsletter, “Some will be blinded by the razzle-dazzle of fancy footwork. Others ery foull” But Duncan Mathieson, energy analyst with Merrill Lynch Canada, insists there just hasn't been time for the lowers priced crude to work its way through the system. real drop in crude prices only happened in pice when the weighted average of all crude prices at Edmonton dropped to $17.09 U.S. per barrel for the month, compared to $18.42 U.S. in November. It’s now at $16.18 U.S., Mathieson said. He predicts retail prices will start falling by the end of February. All Sizes Available. tt) CASTLEGAR SAVINGS CREDIT UNION For All Your Financial & Insurance Needs Bicary Derosi XES SLOCAN PARK Hwy. 6, Slocan Park 226-7212 Insurance 226-7216 1. ion bs Ses7232 Insurance 365-3368 WARRANTY PLAN Covers buyers warranties TORONTO (CP) can Express has introduced a new product-warranty plan to lure prospective credit card holders and give con sumers more incentive to buy retail merchandise. Under the Buyer's Assur ance Protection Plan, Ameri. can Express will double the warranty up to a year on goods purchased on its three credit cards. The service is free to card holders, who already pay yearly fees of $45 for the personal card, $60 for the gold card and $250 for the platinum card. Neither Visa nor Master- Card, the other two major credit cards, offer such a program. The Royal Bank has a similar warranty plan for Visa card holders but charges $60 annually. Visa and MasterCard have no yearly fees, but levy charges depending on how many times consumers use their cards. “This assurance plan is really a business proposition and is a service our cus. tomers are looking for,” says Nick Mancini, vice-president and general manager of per sonal financial services for American Express Canada Inc. Mancini Ameri said market re. | dressed to: Room 236, V8V 1X4 Chairman search studies conducted by American Express indicate consumer interest in the plan. Most widely known for its entertainment oriented services, American Express launched the pro tection plan in the United States in September 1986 in an attempt to penetrate the retail market, Mancini says. “Business i¢ up in the states. People are charging more on their cards because they want to avail them selves to the service, and we expect the same big things in Canada.” The plan covers all pro ducts and parts, except mot orized vehicles, purchased in Canada and the United States. It works this way: If a consumer uses one of the cards in a department store to puchase a vacuum cleaner with a 90-day warranty, American Express would pay for any repairs past the 90 days to 180 days. A free repair report of one year could be added to an item with a five-year warranty The plan is administered by Elite Extended Warranty Corp. of Vancouver. Its job was to find an insurance company to underwrite retail travel and British Columbia Legislative Assembly SELECT STANDING COMMITTEE ON FORESTS AND LANDS TIMBER HARVESTING CONTRACTS The Select Standing Committee on Forests and Lands will be holding public hearings throughout British Columbia in the near future. The purpose of these meetings will be to review the nature of timber harvesting contracts between tree farm licensees or forest licensees and contractors as provided in the Forest Act and to consider the desirability of a standing timber harvesting contract; the desirability of submitting to arbitration issues between parties to a timber harvesting contract; in the event that arbitration is recommended, the policy considerations and desirabil- ity of providing for the same by legislation or contract The committee invites individuals and organizations to forward written submissions or requests to appear to the Clerk of Committees before February 15th, 1988. All briefs, correspondence or inquiries should be ad- Mr. Craig H. James Clerk of Committees, Parliament Buildings Victoria, British Columbia Telephone: 356-2934 Fax: 387-2813 Mr. Graham Bruce, MLA say they have no immediate plans to offer similar war. OTTAWA (CP) Can ada's energy sector will make only modest economic gains under the free-trade treaty with the United States, the federal Energy Department said Tuesday. The study also says Can ada hasn't power to regulate its energy Both Visa and MasterCard ranty plans. Sally Hall, president of the Consumers’ Association of Canada, says it’s too early to tell if the plan will be of much TeSOUrces as use to consumers. The as- ‘ree trade have charged. sociation sees the plan “as Canada. wilt-sifi-Miyy “the another service to win over Power to set domestic energy people to get their card.” prices that are lower than world levels, says the report. However, it adds that gov ernment intervention in pric Shaw reports ing would be less attractive earnings under free trade. “There will not be a sig: nificant impact on domestic energy prices,” says the re port The study shies away from making sweeping projections By The Canadian Press _—" the benefits of free trade, Shaw Cablesystems Ltd. Unlike studies on the agree three months ended Nov. 30: ment already released by the 1987, $2,594,000 or 11.2 cents Finance and Consumer Af a share; 1986, $1,940,000 or 8.7 cents a share. Total income: 1987, $16,418,000; 1986, $13,043,000. fairs departments. Great Place To... -» BUY Call Classifieds 365-2212 Energy discussed free trade. Uranium and oil industries have the most to gain from more secure access to the U.S. market, with lesser benefits for electric utilities looking to light up U.S. cities, tangible and indirect. “What free trade does is to formalize the status quo,” said Emmett. About the only concrete prediction in the report is an estimate that Canadian oil | HéeR BLOCK _ NEW LOCATION 1761 Columbia Avenue, Castlegar (Old Shell Building) Opening Mon., Feb. 1 FOR MORE INFORMATION Call Laurie 365-5244 says the report. given up the very small,” mett, director general of the energy strategy..branch. opponents of The Finance and Consumer companies could save $16 million annually by the elim- ination of U.S. tariffs on crude oil. “The immediate effects are said Brian Em use LS. The report also says the toms user fees are = longer-term benefits are in- phased out. f Selkirk College and Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) Offer a Professional Course in THE PRINCIPLES OF BUYING & PURCHASING MANAGEMENT Beginning Monday, Feb. 1 from 7-10 p.m. at the Trail Cam pus. This 60 hour, credit course will be of interest to those currently riclovse ‘or onticinating.employment in industrial, commercial This course is transterable to the PMAC Professional Development program. Course duration is four months, Feb.1 to June 6, 1988. Course Fee: $450. For registration in- * formation contact reports gave details on price savings and the number of | jobs likely to be gained under CASTLEGAR CAMPUS———— Box 1200, Castlegar, B.C. VIN 3J1 365-7292 a Expecting a Friend to Move There will additional saving of ita P———t0-Castlegar? \ ¢ A Family Member © An Employee ° A Business Associate We will send them FREE a two- month subscription to the Castlegar News! Just phone our Circulation Department with name and ad- dress and We'll do the rest. Castlégar News. Circulation 365-7266 Complete Automotive Service wR SAM'S AUTOMOTIVE TIRES TUNE-UPS DS. For all your water bed needs and supplies. 367 7608. 104/40 COUNTRY HARVEST — DELI SPECIALS — PAS 100 G. $13 37 LYONA S$, 00 BAVARIAN | Loar} 100 G. an 2 Our Lunch Counter 18 Now Open! ‘olumbia Ave. * 365-8414 Parking Nex! 10 Gabriel's 365-3666 MUFFLERS BATTERIES LUBE, OIL, FILTER HEAD LIGHT AIMING CERAMIC CLASSES Startin: jonuary 1. Register now a have fun making projects for your friends ond a | Don Ceramics, 365-3774. _ ttn/3 WE CAN HELP YOU BE WORTH MORE TOMORROW THAN YOU ARE TODAY! Lite insurance iment Fur OLDER Clinton piano, $1,500, brown sectional chesterfield, $100. 365-8374 Buy-of-the- Week Mushrooms Money's te. Oranges surkis: 138 Broccoli us Cauliflower vu s. ‘WE RENT Vi py 2261 RKIN 365-6664 © Res. 365-2694 i iu Mutual Life of Canada fo ov Mutval investco FRIENDLY services they need. Weld like to thank our members for the good words. We appreciate them. Your positive feedback tells us we're doing what a good credit union should be doing; listening to our members and giving them the innovative products and Our understanding of those needs comes from the fact that You Said It i KS) Where You Belong Salmo © South Slocan © Nakusp © New Denver © Waneta Plaza © Kaslo Trail © Fruitvale © Castlegar we're Kootenay based. We know our members because they re neighbours. And we know this area because it’s home Being part of your community gives us a unique advantage in designing and introducing new ideas and services that are right for the Kootenays. We've been doing it for years. We'll keep on doing it. Because the Kootenays is where we belong. Rew & Used Furniture Consignments Open 9-6, Monday-Saturday KINGSIZE - woterbed. condition, $175, 365-8316. CLASSIFIED First 10 Words $3.75 Additional Words 20¢ “3 liwertions Foe Price of 2 ~7 Wnisertions for Price of 4 & Available. |... pesto! Rates ore tor Consecutive Insertions Attention Getters 25¢ for each time’ad appears (Minimum charge 75¢.) Legal Ads Word ads: 20¢ per word for one insertion; 15¢ per word B& J TAX SERVICE Service AIRCO-WASP portable welder generator/225 amp/SKV power plant/16 H.P. ONAN. 365-3212 3/6 Two-Gallon PAILS ONLY *1.50 EACH Heavy duty all-purpose plastic pails with tight-fitting covers and handles Need cleaning. $1.50 each. CASTLEGAR NEWS tor insertions. Minimum charge is for 20 words. Legal boxed ads 64¢ per agate line for one in sertion; 48¢ per agote line tor suusequent consecutive inser tions Payment Policy Payment may be made by cash, cheque or Visa and MasterCard credit cards. It is not advisable to send cash through the mail J Ads may be charged, but a days after it first appears (This $1 charge does NOT op. ply to Visa and MasterCard charges “Word Ads” ber pena CASNEWS 2 Noon Tuesday SUNDAY CASNEWS 1a.m. Friday Classified Display Ads Deadline “Boxed Ads” WEDNESDAY CASNEWS 11 a.m. Tuesday SUNDAY CASNEWS 0 a.m. Friday Order by Mail Print your Action Ad on a separate piece of paper and mail to: Action Ads Box 7 CASTLEGAR, B.C. VIN 3H4 The Castlegar News reserves the right to classify ads under appropriate headings and to determine page location an’ with the British Columbia Humon Rights Act. This Act states no advertisement may state or imply @ pr : limitation, or specitication, on the basis of an applicant's race, religion, colour, marital status, ancestry. place of origin, age, sex (uniess the matter relates to the main- tenance of public decency AND prior approval has been obtained through the Human 7 Ci bia Av: Castlegar MEN'S grey leather jacket =. Dednd new. $250. 365. 3/6 DOWNHILL Ski boots, size 11 Downhill skiis 140 cm. with $126 Solomon bindings and mith ne typewriter. 5653190. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIED 29 $10 DISCOUNT FOR CASH! s. > Castlegar News 18 HP lawn/garden tractor with implements. 10 T. RHINO winch 3/8 Deadline for Sunday Edition — 11 a.m., Friday Jarivary 27,1988 Cl (365-2212 Deadline for Wednesday Edition — 12 Noon, Tuesday FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ACTION ADS — 365-2212 CLASSIFIED DISPLAY — 365-5210 For Better or For Worse® by Lynn Johnston REN] T THIS SPACE 365-5210 CLASSIC Mason Reisch piano. 15- years-old. Phone 368-3695. tin/4 All Plants Flowering, Hanging Green Potted Plants ALL REDUCED % 0 Thurs., Fri. & Sot. ising For $129 per week, can place your 2§ word “blanket” classitied ad in more than omes. Your Action Ad will appear in over 8C AUCTION SERVICE 365-3066 L Pawn Shop. Approisols 636 Columbia Ave. We Buy & Sell Costleger with more than 2.75 miflion readers! And there is a $10 discount tor cash. Call our Action Ad num 365-2212 for details tin/87 $329 All 12-ft. In-Stock yd. Rights Bronth) WANTED TO BUY: Standing or jecked timber. Slocan Forest Products. Call Terry Dods, 355 2216 1/6 Fresh Ground Mixed ¢ /\b. With Your Container ees EReTORE WALL PANELS . LIGHT FIXTURES ARROW BUILDING 2240-6th Ave. 365-2175 978 ORARADA, Peer. lly winterized, 365 po Gyre =o ovto. re tin/4 19 76 JEEP, 4x4 pickup. loaded excellent condition $4,500. 365. 7077 _ Vs ‘86 FORD Ranger, 4x4, 4-5) euto., Super Cab, $13,000. 5204 7 Ss , | JOBS | YOUR BUSINE a PLUG INTO THE CLASSIFIEDS é, This Space is Available . . . For More Information Call Display Dept. 365-5210 FOR RENT OR SALE Available immediately Unique 2 bdrm., 1% bath 12'x68' mobile home. Large addition, fridge, stove, wood stove, airconditioning, double gorage. patio, on large fenced in lot Blueberry Cre negotiable. Re required. $325/month. Phone 365-6898 or 355-2503. DOG OBEDIENCE Classes Beginning Mar. 5 Register at the Arts & Crafts Room, Castlegar Community Com SAT., FEB. 27 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. * 15-Yrs Dog Obedience Exp. * 12 Years CKC Competition Experience * 11 Years Dog Obedience Teaching Experience FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL CHRISTINE CROSS 399-4121 (Res.) 365-2624 (Work) Nutrina Feed Specials 16% Egg Maker Pellets; 25kg. Bog $7.35 Chunks 20 ko $18.95 Dog Pellets 25 is $17.98 “ARROW BUILDING. 2178 * Trail Everything you need from al |HAGEN, , SIAMESE Ki PUPPIES ANDFISHAT. FANCY FUR & FEATHERS Chahkco-Mike Mall + 354-3813 Aluminum Sheets 24'2" x 36 11012 13 to 24 25 or More 75¢ Each 60¢ Each 50¢ Each CASTLEGAR NEWS 197 Columbia Avenue Castlegar POWER take-off for OLIVER oS crawler. 359-7196. WOODWORK * wooo wiNoows & DOORS © CABINETS * CUSTOM FURNITURE * INTERIOR FINISHING * GARAGE DOORSSeles Repos GRAHAM READ 222 - \0ind Ave. Cestloger ay 24” Raweigh, bss bi je, $75. Excellent ae ition. 7906, ve utilities/cable male. 8342. __ V8 it. Call 165.9842, “98 1 BDRM. suite, furnished, bright and clean. Utilities and cable. No pets. Robson. 365-7882. tin/6 utility room electric heot carpet, carport No pets. Oglow Subdivision. 265, Maranatha Court Family like atmosphere 1, 2and 3 bedroom units with fridge and stove Ideal Retirement Handicapped Units available Close to 3 schools Private Entrance Sundeck or Patio rofessional of 9 ‘Aise “warehouse with loading romp. Very reasonable rent. 365. 365 2434 Large 2 and 3 bedroom uni with lots of yard subsidy available. Small pet welcome on approval. Offi open 2-4| Wednesday or leave age, 365-2677 CM senior hockey bag, like new, $20. 365-6316 ofter 5 p.m 3/8 WESTBEND coffee, “mehor (90 cups). Good condition, $20. 365. Prey ski boots, You may adver ‘olumn free of charge. Up. ‘to two is items may be advertised, but the or Ticlgs must not total over $40 ond each item must have @ price stated. We will run your od tor three issues. /74 IN ROBSON, 2 bedroom mobile homes furnished or unfurnished Gas heat. Storting at $225, 965 3155. NEWLY renovated, port ay nished, | bdrm. basement Private entrance utilities cluded. Non-smokers, 7/6 FuRasien bachelor suite; fur nished 1 bdrm. suite, close in 7 house for $178/per_ month 68 178/365. 2 BORM ACTION ADS THREE FOR THE Run the same word classified issues of the Cole first two ads CHARGE. SHED, 2-bedroom mobile me. Washer, dryer, gas heat. Rent negotiable. 365-7188. 7/5 e to down- 6663: 365-2357. _ _7/5 BEAUTIFUL 2 bdrm. furnished ‘obson. $375/month, 2 2 BDRM. suite, clos: town; sundeck, $275. 365: 365-2357 77 "CASTLEGAR VILLA Units for Rent. Seniors Only. Application Forms Available at Unit No. 1, 711-11th St., Castiegor SELKIRK MANOR 1 and 2 bdrm. apartments star ting at $285. Quiet, well cared for building. Fridge. stove in cluded. 365-3034 tin/103 2 BDRM. large apart fridge, stove, ‘utilities. included. 365-6249 to view. 365-6538 at ter 6p.m 17 2 bdrm. house, available im mediotely North Castlegar fridge, stove. 365-8127 7 Ideal retirement 1 & 2 bedroom units Fridge and Range Very clean & Homey Would Furnish on Request Ask for more intor mation on Senior Citizens retiring plan PH: 365-6213 T BDRM. suite, furnished bright and clean, utilities and cable. no pes; Robson. 365-7882 tin/2 FURNI 2 bdrm. duplex Raspberry Village, no pets. 365 74 72 2 BDRM. house. Available mediately. Adjacent to elemen hool. 368 v4 with stand Like new 3/8 TWO mattresses 74°x38" wide), $65 226-7536. MEN"S X-Country skis, boots and poles, $60. 365-7321 3/6 Petre chest. $100. Night rable. ENIOR cinzens may ion items for sale in th of charge. Pleat also have your Pharmacare Card Ni The price of each item must be stated. ttn/07 Our Action Ad Phone No. 365-2212 ARROW LAKE FRONTAGE, 7 plus 1970 FORD 1-1, 1975 VW Beetle acres, forested cluded meadow, 5 facet excess) $30,000. 509-838. BUYING OR SELLING A HOME, PROPERTY 1986 PONY GLS — Sport. Clean, classy ORA BUSINESS? car, very low km. DAVID DANIEL OFFICE 365-2111 Terms as low as Sales Associate RES. 365-6892 $ 1 0 DOWN O.A:C. Call for service Hyundai 1973 MERCURY Comet for parts 2 engine, auto., transmission excellent condition. Cheap 2458 after 3 p.m 1975 VW Rabbit, good condition. 365-6108. or advice! FREE — No Obligation! CENTURY 21 Mountainview Agencies Ltd. c in rural set. Sites. Call now, call jot an basement. Outside not much but | Collect, 365-7241. inside beautiful 7956. reasonable o} ng $48,000. To view 365-3917 otters 425-0267 n/02 excellent condition, $3 20. FREE HOME EVALUATION — twill be is completely rebuilt, V-6, 4-spd Horizon, good condition, $2,000 2. wil 368-764 ood running condition, 365. 7 3/8 rebuilt motor 108. 3/8 1978 CHEV Van 20, 50,000 original miles, new-tires, shocks 500. 3/6 1980 PONTIAC Phoenix This cor Must sell $3,500. 1979 Pymouth R consider port trade, 4/6 pleased to discuss your Real Estate needs and or value your home with no obligation or cost to you CALL RAY BYSTROM 3 BDRM. townhouse, 1% baths, full basement. $3,000 down. 365 8063, 7/8 TORDAN WATSON IN SALES & SERVICE WB iti seegi3a = FRAIL 1982 MUSTANG, 4-cyl., 5-speed. Century 21 Mountainview Agencies L JORDAN WATSON 365-2111 * 365-6892 or 365-6874 1985 HYUNDAI PONY GS 4 = 7 BORM. hou: Q2%x65" lor, hatch. $20,000. Robson. 968-6342 968: 6948. Original owner, ex 1961 MERCURY LYNX WAGON — Very clean in and out with low miles, for as little $25 PRIVATE SALE Meodowbrook in covered decks, enclosed spa 2300 sq., #1. Large beautifully landscaped lot with pertect privacy, $129,500. Appoin tment only 365-7134. 9: Hyundai Se Call now collect 365-7241. DL. 7956. ise TOYOTA Tercel rear wipers, low 1978 GRAND AM classic, good mileage, tne Like new. Asking bit running condition. 965-6995.°7/3 fir Good condition. Phone 365: soe silver standard AM/FM cellent condition $5,200. o bo 365-3148 7 Trucks Cost Less at Maloney! GMC S-15 2-Wheel Drives 8 To Choose From $8,988 GMC S-15 4x4s 7 to Choose From *12,988 GMC FULL SIZED PICKUPS ‘4 -Ton. 6 to Choose From 510,488 GMC FULL SIZED 4x4s 11 To Choose From *14,888 GMC SAFARI CARGO VANS 3 To Choose From *12,888 Other Trucks 1-SUBURBAN 4x4 Loaded 1-SUBURBAN 4x4 Diesel 1 GMC JIMMY 4x4 1-GMC CREW CAB