Temporary gas tax suspensions may be on the way to Saskatchewan

Prime Minister Mark Carney is suspending the federal gas tax starting Monday, a move that Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe applauds.

The federal tax on gas and diesel will be temporarily suspended starting next week.

When in effect, it is expected to reduce gas by 10 cents per litre on regular gas, and four cents on diesel.

In Saskatchewan, agriculture, industry, and residential sectors use gas and diesel.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe welcomes the federal move.

“We welcome affordability measures,” he said. “That is something we have focused on in a different way. Cutting taxes across the board for Saskatchewan families.”

Saskatchewan NDP MLA Trent Wotherspoon said the drop of the provincial fuel tax would be a meaningful break for people in the province.

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“The province is experiencing an unplanned boost to its’ revenue. It is only right that they offer a corresponding break to families and suspend their gas tax,” he said.

The gas tax announcement came hours after a majority government was secured by the federal Liberal party.

U.S.-Iran tensions have impacted global oil prices.

Last week, Carney said the federal government was aware of the high gas prices Canadians are facing and was looking at ways to help.

“Fuel prices have increased sharply around the world including here in Canada,” he said.

“We are taking more action to help build that bridge over short term pressure.”

Premier Moe said the Government of Saskatchewan is always looking to do more on affordability while living within its’ means.

He is not entirely ruling out conversations on a break in the provincial fuel tax.

-With files from Stephanie Ha