Conservatives call for extension of temporary gas price relief until next summer

OTTAWA — Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is urging the government to maintain temporary relief at the gas pumps for an additional 10 months. The Liberal government suspended the federal fuel excise tax in April, in response to global price surges triggered by the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the measure would remain in effect until Labour Day and would reduce gas prices by approximately 10 cents per litre and diesel by four cents per litre.

At a press conference in Vancouver, Poilievre pointed out that gas prices are increasing once again and Canadians cannot afford another 10-cent-per-litre increase next month. He argued that the relief would make groceries, homebuilding materials, and other transport-dependent products more affordable for Canadians. The Conservatives estimate the higher oil prices have generated a $6-billion windfall for the federal government, and Poilievre suggested using this extra revenue to fund the continued relief.

In a letter to Prime Minister Carney, Poilievre requested the excise tax relief extension until at least July 1, 2027, with a potential review at that time.