Pausing the provincial gas tax would cut costs and save Saskatchewan families 15 cents per litre, more than the 14 cents carbon tax
REGINA - Today, Official Opposition Leader Carla Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP called on the Moe government to suspend the provincial gas tax. The policy would lower costs and immediately put money back into people’s pockets.=
“This government’s first priority should be ensuring hardworking people can fill the tank, stock the fridge and put gifts under the tree without finding another job. Now is not the time for a million-dollar junket to Dubai,” said Beck. “All levels of government need to get back to basics and start delivering real results for people. Enough finger-pointing.”
The Saskatchewan NDP gave notice of a private member’s motion on Tuesday calling on the Sask. Party government to temporarily remove the provincial fuel tax from gasoline and diesel. The policy is expected to be debated later this week and, if passed, will be reviewed after six months.
Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador have already delivered gas-tax relief. Manitoba’s gas-tax relief will come into effect January 1, 2024. Ontario announced late last month that gas relief will be extended to June 30, 2024.
In survey after survey, Saskatchewan people report the highest levels of financial insecurity in Canada. Despite this, the Moe government did not promise meaningful cost-of-living relief in the Throne Speech, focusing instead in recent months on regulating pronouns in schools and embarking on a third costly trip to Dubai.
“The Sask. Party hiked power bills three times in the last year and expanded the PST in a historic way. Ottawa can and should scrap the carbon tax, but Scott Moe also needs to step up,” said Affordability Critic Trent Wotherspoon. “Families are breaking the bank to fill the tank just to get to work, take the kids to activities or run into town. Families deserve relief and scrapping this gas tax will save them hundreds.”
Suspending the provincial gas tax for six months would decrease revenues by $225 million and save households approximately $356. Commercial and industrial customers would see $150 million in savings.
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