The Kenney government is hinting its suspension of the provincial sales tax on fuel will likely be extended for Albertans. .Premier Jason Kenney attended a Thursday presser at the University of Calgary (U of C) to announce an investment of $23 million by the province focused on growing Alberta's tech sector with a new U of C-based lab space and quantum technologies hub..At the presser, the Western Standard questioned Justin Brattinga, Kenney's press secretary, on the premier's plans to further support struggling Albertans with rising inflation, and whether the province plans to continue to suspend its 13 cents-per-litre provincial fuel tax at the pumps. .Brattinga said the premier will have an announcement on the topic next week, but hinted Kenney will likely be extending the tax discount on fuel for longer. .“Alberta’s government is doing more to ease the inflation burden than any other government in Canada," said Brattinga in a statement to the Western Standard. ."In addition to the fuel tax suspension, we are rolling out electricity rebates and a natural gas consumer price protection program. As our fiscal situation improves, we continue to examine ways to provide further relief to Albertans, including extending fuel tax relief."."The fuel tax suspension has been contingent on the price of oil (WTI) remaining above $90/bbl. In recent days the price hovered in the $120/bbl range.”.Kenney, along with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, jointly signed a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in late March urging him to stop the carbon tax increase set for April 1. .“This is the worst possible time to increase energy costs on Canadians,” said Kenney in his tweet tagging Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson..The letter insisted relief is needed for families and businesses across Canada and suggested, under the current but unforeseen circumstances, “we need to adapt.”
