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Decentralized Democracy

Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 88

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
April 20, 2023
Protecting Ontarians by Enhancing Gas Station Safety to Prevent Gas and Dash Act, 2023
  • This is a law called the Protecting Ontarians by Enhancing Gas Station Safety to Prevent Gas and Dash Act, 2023. It amends the Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide safety measures for workers at gas stations. The law requires gas stations in certain areas to use prepayment technology, which means customers have to pay for gasoline before it is pumped. Gas stations must also provide training on worker safety for employees involved in selling gasoline. The law also requires gas stations to have notices on pumps with prepayment technology to inform customers about the prepayment requirements. The law applies to gas stations in specific municipalities and comes into effect after a certain period of time.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One steelman argument in favor of Bill 88 2023, the Protecting Ontarians by Enhancing Gas Station Safety to Prevent Gas and Dash Act, is that it prioritizes the safety of workers at gas stations. By requiring prepayment for gasoline before it is pumped, the act aims to prevent incidents of gas and dash, where customers fill up their vehicles with gas and then leave without paying. This practice not only poses a financial burden on gas station owners but also puts workers at risk of injury or harm when they attempt to stop or apprehend the offenders. The act also mandates that gas stations install prepayment technology on all new or replacement gasoline pumps. This technology ensures that customers pay for their fuel before it is dispensed, reducing the likelihood of gas and dash incidents. Additionally, gas station employers are required to provide safety training to workers involved in the sale of gasoline, further enhancing their ability to handle potentially dangerous situations and ensuring their well-being. Furthermore, the act allows municipalities to request the application of these safety measures within their jurisdiction. This provision recognizes the varying needs and circumstances of different communities and allows for a tailored approach to gas station safety. It also provides a phased implementation, allowing time for gas stations to adapt to the new requirements. Overall, the Protecting Ontarians by Enhancing Gas Station Safety to Prevent Gas and Dash Act prioritizes the safety of workers at gas stations by implementing measures to prevent gas and dash incidents. By requiring prepayment, installing prepayment technology, and providing safety training, the act aims to create a safer working environment for gas station employees and reduce the financial burden on gas station owners.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 88 2023: While the intention behind Bill 88 2023, the Protecting Ontarians by Enhancing Gas Station Safety to Prevent Gas and Dash Act, may seem noble, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences and infringements on individual freedom that this legislation may bring. Here are some right-wing anti-government talking points to consider: 1. Limited Government Intervention: Right-wing ideology emphasizes limited government intervention in the economy and individual lives. Bill 88 2023 expands government control by mandating prepayment technology at gas stations, which restricts the freedom of gas station owners to operate their businesses as they see fit. 2. Free Market Principles: The right-wing perspective values free market principles, where businesses and consumers have the freedom to make their own choices. By requiring prepayment for gasoline, the government is interfering with the natural market dynamics and imposing a one-size-fits-all solution that may not be suitable for all gas stations or customers. 3. Burden on Small Businesses: Implementing prepayment technology can be costly for gas station owners, especially small businesses. This additional financial burden may lead to increased prices for consumers or even the closure of some gas stations, resulting in reduced competition and limited choices for consumers. 4. Individual Responsibility: Right-wing ideology emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability. Requiring prepayment technology assumes that all customers are potential criminals who cannot be trusted to pay for their gasoline after pumping. This undermines the principle of individual responsibility and treats law-abiding citizens as potential offenders. 5. Unintended Consequences: While the goal of preventing gas and dash incidents is important, it is crucial to consider the unintended consequences of this legislation. For example, the requirement for prepayment may lead to longer wait times at gas stations, inconvenience for customers, and potential fuel shortages during peak hours. 6. Overreach of Government Power: Right-wing ideology advocates for limited government power and individual liberties. Bill 88 2023 expands government control by mandating specific safety measures at gas stations, which could set a precedent for further government intervention in other industries and aspects of daily life. It is important to strike a balance between ensuring worker safety and preserving individual freedom and free market principles. While the intention of Bill 88 2023 is to protect workers at gas stations, it is essential to consider the potential negative consequences and infringements on individual liberties that this legislation may bring.
Second Reading
  • April 20, 2023, noon
  • In Progress
  • Read
First Reading
  • March 29, 2023, midnight
  • Passed