Ottawa, ON – Jasraj Hallan, Conservative Shadow Minister for National Revenue, released the following statement on the introduction of Bill C-38, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act:
“Conservative pressure has forced the Liberals to extend fuel tax relief and save Canadians money. We fought for the first cut. We fought to extend it. Now we are fighting to finish the job.
“On April 2, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for all federal taxes on gas and diesel to be removed for the rest of 2026. Twelve days later, the Liberals announced a partial version of our plan: suspending the fuel excise tax, but only until Labour Day. They left the GST and Clean Fuel Regulations in place.
“Conservatives kept fighting. On August 16, Mr Poilievre demanded that Prime Minister Mark Carney cancel his planned Labour Day gas tax hike and remove all federal taxes on fuel until at least Canada Day 2027. Canadians needed more relief, for longer.
“On September 2, the Liberals backed down again and announced they would extend the suspension. Now, with Bill C-38, they are bringing that extension before Parliament.
“First, we pushed the Liberals to cut the tax. Then we pushed them to stop taking that relief away. At every step, Conservatives led and the Liberals followed. Canadians will keep more of their own money because we refused to let up.
“But the job is not done. Bill C-38 would suspend the fuel excise tax only until January 31, 2027. Half the tax would return on February 1. The full tax would return on April 1. The Liberals are still putting an expiry date on relief Canadians need.
“Gas prices were still 22.8 per cent higher in August than a year earlier. Families feel that when they fill their minivan. Workers feel it when they fill their truck. Higher shipping costs add to the price of groceries, building supplies and other goods Canadians need.
“Conservatives will support Bill C-38 because every dollar Canadians save matters. But we will keep pressing the Liberals to adopt our full plan: to remove all federal taxes on gas and diesel until at least Canada Day 2027, and permanently scrap the Clean Fuel Regulations and industrial carbon tax so Canadians can save approximately 25 cents per litre.
“We fought for this relief. We fought to extend it. And we will not stop fighting until Canadians can afford a full tank, a full fridge and a home of their own.”