Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling for the federal government to eliminate all taxes on gasoline and diesel for the remainder of 2026, arguing the move would provide immediate relief to Canadians facing rising costs at the pump.Under the proposal, Ottawa would suspend the federal fuel excise tax, remove the GST on fuel purchases and permanently scrap the Clean Fuel Standard charge, which Conservatives describe as adding to consumer costs. The party says the combined measures would lower prices by roughly 25 cents per litre.Poilievre said the plan would save about $20 per fill-up for a typical minivan and as much as $1,218 annually for a family of four, while also reducing costs across the economy by lowering transportation expenses for goods.The announcement comes as Canadians continue to pay significantly more for fuel than Americans, with Conservatives estimating prices are about 20% higher due to federal taxes. Poilievre argued global factors such as geopolitical tensions may influence oil prices, but said domestic tax policy is a key driver behind the gap..He also criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing the Liberal government of maintaining and increasing fuel-related taxes under different names, including the Clean Fuel Standard and the industrial carbon pricing system.Poilievre said eliminating taxes on diesel would have a ripple effect by lowering the cost of transporting goods, including food and construction materials, potentially easing pressure on grocery and housing prices.The proposal would be funded, Conservatives say, by cutting federal spending in areas such as the gun grab program, government consulting contracts, foreign aid and major infrastructure initiatives, including the planned high-speed rail project.According to federal estimates cited by the party, clean fuel regulations are expected to add 7 cents per litre this year, rising to 17 cents by 2030. Conservatives also pointed to projections that carbon pricing could have broader economic impacts, including slower growth and job losses.Poilievre said similar measures have been taken internationally, with countries such as Australia, Spain and Ireland temporarily reducing fuel taxes to bring down consumer prices..The Canadian Taxpayers Federation applauded Poilievre for pushing for tax relief at the pumps and is calling on governments across Canada to cut gas taxes.“The fastest, simplest and easiest way for politicians to make fuelling up more affordable is to stop charging high gas taxes,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “Politicians in other countries are cutting taxes to help make life more affordable and Canadians need our politicians to follow their lead.”
