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This really isn't a letter of something I remember reading in the paper but rather a letter of concern and outrage toward the ever-rising cost of gas.

One week ago, I was driving home from work and looked at the cost of gas - $122.4. After a week, the gas was $129.9 (the cost of a loaf of bread). It shot up 7.5 cents in a week.

How on earth does the government think we can afford to pay taxes through working and the GST and PST if we cannot even afford to get around?

Minimum wage went up from $8 a hour to $8.50 per hour. Big deal. The cost of living went up even higher.

How is it even justifiable to charge that much money for gas and not even gradually increase the price?

I have a Montana minivan and unfortunately, neither my fiance nor I work within a short distance of our jobs. We have six children and need a van.

However, we are paying $700 or more a month in gas. I cannot afford to go shopping for food because all the money goes to travel. I believe there will be a greater demand for food at the food banks, but because people are spending so much money at the pump they won't be able to afford to donate food. Is this the onset of great poverty in this city? Why is it taking Ottawa so long to step in?

Amanda Leggett