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Three-quarters of the Struggling support a cut in gasoline taxes, 53 per cent of the Thriving oppose it
July 11, 2024 – When summer comes in Canada, two things are guaranteed to rise – the temperature and the price of gas.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds considerable support for an idea that would temporarily relieve Canadians some of the pain caused by one of them – a fuel tax holiday.
This idea, proposed before the House of Commons closed up for the summer by opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, is popular with 56 per cent of Canadians, notably much higher than the two-in-five who recently said they either viewed Poilievre favourably or said they would vote for him in a federal election.
Proponents argue the exemption would lower the price of gas by an estimated 30 cents per litre, this as three-quarters of Canadians (76%) say the price of gas has gone up for them recently.
Those “Struggling” on ARI’s Economic Stress Index are most likely to support this policy – three-quarters do (74%). Support drops as the relative financial comfort increases. Those best off, the “Thriving”, reject the idea at a majority level, saying that this would cost the government financially and harm the environment further by encouraging vehicle use.
The carbon tax itself has proven a significant challenge for the governing Liberals. Recent ARI research found Canadians tend to underestimate their rebate amount, and half would abolish (40%) or lower it (11%) if they were able.
Quebecers are divided evenly about a nationwide tax holiday, with 42 per cent for and 44 per cent against the idea, while majorities in all other regions say this is something they would like to see implemented.
Link to the poll here: www.angusreid.org/
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