Taxpayers Federation calls for Sask. government, Ottawa to cut gas taxes

Many people across Saskatchewan are struggling to make ends meet, as bills for groceries, housing and gas just keep going up.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is renewing its calls for both the provincial and federal governments to cut taxes on gas in order to make life more affordable.

“Every time you go to the pump, you go, ‘Wow, it’s so expensive. Why is this costing so much? Why is it changing all the time?’ You want to blame the gas station, but in reality, in Saskatchewan, 32 per cent of what you’re paying is just taxes,” said Gage Haubrich, the federation’s prairie director.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says gas taxes in Saskatchewan add up to 50.1 cents per litre, based on a $1.57/L pump price. (Kaleb Sebastian/980 CJME)

“Gas prices change for a number of reasons, but the province and the federal government can help out and make things more affordable by just cutting their own gas taxes.”

The federation has called on the provincial government to lower its gas tax in the past, and the Saskatchewan NDP has voiced similar calls, but Haubrich said the situation hasn’t improved.

“Every time you head to the gas pumps in Saskatchewan, you’re paying 50 cents per litre in just taxes. That’s because you’re paying four different taxes every time you head to the pumps,” said Haubrich.

“You’re paying 17 cents in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax, and then 10 cents in his federal gas tax. But you’re also paying 15 cents in Premier Scott Moe’s provincial gas tax. That’s only two cents less than the federal carbon tax,” Haubrich explained.

“On top of that, you’re also paying GST on everything. That means that when you bring your Sudan, your car, to the gas pump to fill up, you’re paying 32 dollars in extra taxes.”

Haubrich said the Canadian Taxpayers Federation is hoping that both the federal and provincial governments will offer some relief to people struggling to afford gas, along with their other bills.

“It’s the summer. Families are taking road trips out to the lake. They’re taking their kids out to baseball practice. And both federal and provincial governments have the ability to make that a little bit more affordable with the flick of a switch,” said Haubrich.

“We want them to cut their fuel taxes and make life a little bit more affordable.”