The Ontario government will be cutting the gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre and the diesel tax by 5.3 cents per litre for six months, effective Friday..“It has never been more important to get it done and provide Ontarians with real relief,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford in a Thursday press release. .“This gas tax cut will provide more relief at the pumps for hardworking families and businesses and put more money back in their pockets, where it belongs.”.The press release said from July 1 to December 31, the gas tax rate will be cut from 14.7 cents per litre to 9 cents per litre. It said the diesel tax will be reduced from 14.3 cents per litre to 9 cents. .When combined with the 4.3 cents per litre savings after the Ontario government eliminated the provincial cap and trade carbon tax, the press release said gas prices will be reduced by 10 cents. .“People and businesses are feeling the pinch of high gas prices and grocery bills,” said Ontario finance minister Peter Bethlenfalvy..“Our government is cutting the gas and fuel tax rates to put money back in people’s pockets and help keep costs down.”.The press release went on to say vehicle owners should expect to save about $465 in 2022 because of the lower gas tax and license plate sticker fees being scrapped. .The Ontario government said it will continue to encourage the Canadian government to reduce the carbon tax to provide more relief at the pumps. .Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre sent a letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in May blaming the Liberal government for high gas prices and advocating for relief at the pumps. ."The price of gas in Canada is up 55% from last year,” said Poilievre. .“It’s so high, people are suffering and there are no signs of relief.”.The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) demanded Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cut gas taxes on June 22 following US President Joe Biden’s efforts to reduce them. .“Trudeau needs to follow Biden’s lead and provide gas tax relief immediately,” said CTF federal director, Franco Terrazzano..“Today, Trudeau could save an average Canadian family about $20 every single time they fuel up their minivan by cutting federal fuel taxes.”
