Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is demanding Ottawa temporarily lift federal taxes on fuel, as spiking gas prices continue to squeeze Canadian drivers at the pump.
Poilievre outlined the proposal Thursday morning at a news conference in Ottawa, calling on the federal government to suspend both the GST and the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel for the remainder of 2026. The Conservative leader framed the move as immediate, practical relief for Canadians struggling with rising costs.
The push comes as ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sent fuel prices climbing across Canada and globally. For Albertans — many of whom depend on personal vehicles and long commutes — even modest spikes at the pump translate quickly into significant household budget pressures. Calgarians tracking local fuel costs can monitor real-time price changes at CalgaryPrices.com.
Not the First Time
This is not Poilievre's first call for a fuel tax pause. He made a nearly identical pitch heading into the summer of 2024, when gas prices surged in several regions of the country. Thursday's announcement signals the Conservatives intend to keep the issue front and centre as Canadians navigate economic uncertainty.
Poilievre has pointed to international precedents to bolster the case, noting that countries including Australia and Ireland have moved to reduce fuel taxes in response to price spikes.
Federal Response Pending
As of Thursday morning, the federal government had not formally responded to the proposal. Whether the governing party will consider a temporary tax suspension — or dismiss it as fiscal irresponsibility — remains to be seen.
For many Albertans, the debate over fuel taxation carries particular weight. Alberta has long been home to some of Canada's highest per-capita fuel consumption, and any federal relief at the pump would likely be welcomed by drivers and trucking operators alike.
Source: CBC Calgary. This article is based on reporting originally published by CBC News.