The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is raising the alarm about the high gas prices at the pumps and how the carbon tax is making things worse for Canadians.
“Drivers are feeling the pain of high gas prices and taxes are making things much worse,” said CTF Federal Director Franco Terrazzano in a Wednesday news release.
“More than a third of the price of gas is actually tax in many provinces. In fact, Canadians even have to pay taxes on top of taxes when they fill up the tank.”
Gas prices across the country have increased in recent weeks. Currently, gas prices in Toronto average $1.40 per litre, while in Vancouver consumers are paying $1.59 per litre at the pumps.
According to estimates, taxes contributed anywhere from 31% to 42% of the cost of gasoline depending on the province.
“Taxes already cost Canadians big time at the pumps and that tax bill will only grow with carbon tax hikes,” said Terrazzano.
“If politicians want to improve affordability and lower prices at the pumps, then they need to provide tax relief.”
By 2030, the carbon tax will contribute about 40 cents per litre of gasoline on top of other taxes. Additionally, other provinces like British Columbia and Quebec have their own provincial carbon pricing scheme which also contributes to the price of gas.
Despite pledging to undo Trudeau’s carbon tax if elected, Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole flip-flopped on his position ahead of the election in a failed attempt to lure Liberal and progressive voters.
O’Toole reversed his position despite signing a pledge with the CTF to implement “no carbon tax” if elected.
