Alberta Refuses to Commit to Fuel Tax Cut Amid High Pump Prices
Alberta's government has declined to commit to removing its fuel tax amid rising pump prices and pressure from federal Official Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to extend the suspension of the federal gas tax until Canada Day 2027, citing continued high pump prices for motorists and cost-of-living issues.
Poilievre estimated that removing the federal tax would save Canadians around $1,000 between now and July 1 next year. He argued that this would lower the price of fuel at the pump and make groceries, home building materials, and other products more affordable for Canadians.
The Alberta government introduced a fuel tax relief scheme in 2022 that offered graduated discounts on its 13-cent-per-litre fuel tax dependent on international oil prices. However, this program was paused in June and replaced with a one-time $100 energy rebate for eligible Albertans.