The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on the Quebec government to follow the lead of other provinces and temporarily lower its fuel tax.
The CTF released its 26th annual report on “Gas Tax Honesty Report” on Thursday.
According to the report, Quebec ranks fifth among Canadian provinces in terms of gasoline prices, with an average price of $1.75 per litre.
First place is occupied by Newfoundland and Labrador, at $1.86.
The tax share represents 38 per cent of the bill at the pump in Quebec, according to FCC calculations.
Quebec comes in third, behind Nova Scotia and British Columbia (excluding Vancouver), with their tax share being 40 per cent each.
CTF Quebec director Nicolas Gagnon said he believes the CAQ government showed promise by announcing its intention to abolish the floor price on gasoline in the spring.
“François Legault’s government recognizes that the price is essentially too high on gasoline,” said Gagnon during a press conference at a gas station on De Maisonneuve Blvd. in Montreal.
Gagnon asked Quebec to continue its efforts and to draw inspiration from its Canadian neighbours to ease the financial burden on motorists.
“We know that in other provinces, notably Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, the premiers have offered breaks on gasoline. (…) Hundreds of dollars are saved simply by reducing provincial gasoline taxes by a few cents,” said Gagnon.
Gagnon wants the government to reduce its fuel tax by half for a few months, which would amount to 19.2 cents/litre.
The fuel tax rate has remained unchanged since April 2013.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews