Conservatives Urge Mark Carney to Extend Federal Gas Tax Holiday

The Conservative Party and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to extend a federal fuel excise tax holiday beyond Labour Day. The tax was suspended on April 14, 2026, to mitigate price pressures caused by Middle East conflicts, providing a 10-cent-per-litre cut for gasoline and four cents for diesel.

A Leger poll commissioned by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation shows that 63% of Canadians oppose the planned tax increase scheduled for September 8, 2026. This opposition is particularly strong among women, citizens over 55, and residents of the prairie provinces.

Conservative Finance Critic Michael Chong has called for the government to not only extend the holiday but also remove the GST on gas and diesel and scrap federal Clean Fuel Regulations. Chong argues these combined measures would save drivers up to 25 cents per litre, providing relief to low- and middle-income Canadians struggling with the cost of living.

Simultaneously, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation is pressing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to eliminate the province's 13-cent-per-litre fuel tax, suggesting a return to pump-based relief over the current $100 online rebate program.