Gas tax cut to continue in Ontario, Ford announces in Mississauga
Published March 25, 2024 at 10:11 am
Taking aim at former Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie and the upcoming carbon tax hike, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans to continue the provincial gas tax cut.
The Ontario government temporarily cut the gasoline tax by 5.7 cents per litre, and the fuel (diesel) tax by 5.3 cents per litre, from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024.
And now the Ontario government proposes extending the existing gasoline and fuel tax rate cuts until Dec. 31, 2024, Ford said in a press conference today (March 25) in Mississauga.
The proposal needs to be passed in the spring 2024 budget.
This would mean rates will remain at nine cents per litre until Dec. 31, 2024, saving Ontario households $320 on average over the two and a half years since the tax rate cuts were first introduced, the provincial government said in a press release.
The federal government is set to increase the carbon tax on April 1, which many people may notice at the gas station and on energy bills. Many Canadians will get funds back through the Canada Carbon Rebate but gas prices are expected to increase by about three cents at the pumps.
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During the announcement, Ford took the opportunity to slam the carbon tax.
The carbon tax has been implemented as a way to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, the federal government states on its website. It creates a financial incentive for people and businesses to pollute less.
But Ford argues this is not the time to increase taxes as people are struggling with the cost of living.
“This tax is costing hardworking people more money to drive to work, or drop off the kids to hockey practice,” Ford said. “It’s going to increase the cost of everything. It’s going to hurt every single person in Ontario.”
He urged the federal government to scrap the tax hike.
He also took aim at Crombie who is now Ontario Liberal leader.
“Don’t be fooled. Bonnie Crombie continues to support carbon taxes in this tax increase,” Ford said. “The queen of the carbon tax won’t speak out against next week’s tax hike.”
Crombie announced last week that her climate platform for the 2026 election will not include a provincial carbon tax. But she will ensure major polluters pay.
See the full Ford press conference here.
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