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Just a few hours after the federal government announced its gas tax holiday, the Sask. NDP’s motion to do the same didn’t receive leave to be introduced.
The motion was to suspend the provincial fuel tax – 15 cents per litre on gas and diesel – which the NDP has tried to bring up a number of times this session.
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In asking for leave, NDP finance critic Trent Wotherspoon said families, farms and businesses are under exceptional strain with high fuel prices, while the provincial government has seen an unplanned boost to its revenue from high oil prices.
“We’re calling on the government to offer corresponding relief at the pumps,”
The motion would have the tax cut in place temporarily while conflict in the Middle East drives up prices.
Leave was not granted by members in the assembly.
“Suspending the tax would show some decency and compassion for the insurmountable affordability struggle that people in this province are facing,” said Sask. NDP Leader Carla Beck in a news release.
When asked about it during Question Period on Tuesday, Premier Scott Moe pivoted to talk about the affordability measures his government has already put in place – cuts to income taxes and continuing tax incentives like the first-time home buyers credit and the secondary suite incentive grant program.
Later on, while speaking to media, Moe said he welcomed any affordability measures from the federal government, but said the province is doing affordability in a different way.
“We’re always looking at what we can do to better serve the people of Saskatchewan in what is an increasingly inflationary environment we are living in – there is no doubt that that is the case here in Saskatchewan and across Canada,” said Moe.
He said the conversation about things like this isn’t far away, but the province is currently focused on living within its financial means.
Previously, when the NDP called for a cut to the gas tax, Moe and his finance minister have said the tax is needed because it funds maintenance on Saskatchewan highways.
