Opposition parties call on Houston government to cut gas tax, even temporarily
Gas prices continue to fuel record inflation, and while other provinces like Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador have committed to cutting provincial gas taxes, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston won't budge on the issue.
Both the Liberal and NDP opposition parties are calling on the Progressive Conservative government to follow the lead of other provinces and temporarily cut the fuel fee.
"I think that we remain the only province in Canada that has done nothing to address the cost of living crisis and the inflationary period that we are in," said N..S. NDP leader Claudia Chender.
Chender was named leader of the provincial NDP on the weekend, and in her speech at the leadership convention, she addressed the issue of affordability and called out the Houston government.
“Life is getting harder for families across the province, from healthcare to housing, and the rising cost of living. Yet, almost a year after being elected, the Houston government is not taking the action needed to help Nova Scotians,” said Chender.
The NDP is in favour of giving all Nova Scotia families who earn less than $70,000 a cheque for $500.00 to immediately help with the rising cost of living.
“Five hundred dollars is a few tanks of gas, a few grocery carts of food, part of a month's rent, or a few power bills. That’s real help that people can count on,” said Chender.
Houston says the province is bringing forward long-term solutions rather than quick fixes or band-aid solutions.
"That's why we are taking the programs around the seniors care grant, around the family benefits, around the child care benefits, all these types of things are longer-term initiatives,” said Houston.
Chender says the list of supports Houston is alluding to is old news.
"Everything that's coming forward from the government, the senior’s grant, child care, the child benefit, that was all in the budget,” said Chender.
Liberal MLA and community services critic Fred Tilley echoed Chender’s comments.
“Those programs have been in place, they were in place during the budget process and so we knew about those, but right now people are struggling,” said Tilley.
As the inflation rate soars to sky-high levels, the liberals say Houston is sidestepping the problem and has committed to any sensible relief programming.
“When we look at the gas tax there's an opportunity right there,” said Tilley.
Houston says the price of gas has been volatile of late and cutting the gas tax would take away from crucial government services.
“Making that change could have long-term ramifications on the ability to provide health care and on the ability to support the education system and on the ability to provide government services,” said Houston.
The province brought in $266.5 million in 2020 from that provincial gas tax and another $223.8 million in 2021.
According to the department of finance, the province estimates they’ll receive $253.2 million this year and another $255.1 million in 2023.
The opposition argues as the price of gas rises so does the revenue from the fuel tax, and calls that money “a windfall,” saying it should go back to Nova Scotians who are struggling.
"We believe that that revenue should be used to help people who are in acute distress,” said Chender.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.