Today, the Conservative Government voted to shut down debate on gas tax legislation and refused to support the Liberal amendment to actually lower the gas tax, providing real relief for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
The Conservatives used the extraordinary measure of “closure” to end debate on this important issue, meaning no further amendments are allowed, including any that would offer relief at the pumps.
Finance Minister Craig Pardy says “this is not the time for last-minute changes or delay tactics.” However, it is the Conservatives who are delaying real tax relief for residents by playing politics and shutting down debate on this important amendment.
Timing is not an issue. The Conservative Government can vote for tax relief today without letting gas prices go up on April 1, despite what the Premier and Finance Minister say.
The Official Opposition knows that skyrocketing fuel prices are only adding to the already high cost of living. That is why, in June 2022, the Liberal government introduced a reduction in the provincial gas tax to help ease the burden on households and businesses. That relief remains in place today.
The Official Opposition is again urging Premier Tony Wakeham, Finance Minister Craig Pardy, and the Conservative government to take meaningful action to address rising costs by continuing, and further lowering, the gas tax reduction first introduced by the Liberal government.
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