A taxpayer group is calling on Ottawa to put an end to plans to raise taxes on alcohol by 4.7% next year.
According to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, the tax increase is an unnecessary burden as Canadians face increased affordability issues.
“Canadians are struggling with inflation and the last thing we need is the feds making it more expensive to enjoy a cold one at the end of a long work week,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director.
“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should be trying to make life more affordable and that means scrapping his alcohol tax hikes.”
Every year on April 1, the alcohol escalator tax automatically raises federal excise taxes on beer, spirits and wine.
“This is fundamentally undemocratic because politicians are increasing their tax take without a single vote in Parliament,” said Carson Binda, CTF British Columbia Director. “The feds need to stop binging on alcohol taxes.”
Already taxes account for a sizable amount of alcohol, making up 50% of the cost of beer, 65% of the cost of wine and over 75% of the cost of spirits.
In addition to the annual alcohol tax increase, this past April 1 also included a tax increase in order for MPs to get a pay raise.
