The NDP says it would be better to cap the big oil companies from charging more, rather than ultimately short-changing federal tax revenues with a gas-at-the-pump tax holiday.
“It’s their profiteering that’s driving up prices,” said NDP Leader Avi Lewis regarding the oil companies. “It’s them who should pay,” he said in an NDP news release.
Increased oil company revenues and profits will theoretically ultimately produce more revenue for the federal government via corporate income tax, but it’s a roundabout way to generate revenues and does not in any way appease consumers about affordability.
The excise fuel tax holiday will apply from April 20 to September 7, 2026.
Prime Minister Carney said the trade-off is in balancing lower tax revenues — which are used for all manner of things to run the country, including social support programs — and attempting to provide some lessening of the impact of the Iran war on gasoline and diesel prices.
The NDP suggests that electric vehicles make moot the point of gasoline prices. But also — including on Power and Politics (CBC TV) — NDP Leader Lewis points out how expensive EVs are for people who are struggling in this economy.
Lewis acknowledges that this is a transitionary phase from dependence on oil while wind and solar-powered energy awaits.
First press conference for Lewis
Avi Lewis delivered his first NDP Leader press conference in the House of Commons on April 13. He prioritized the need for government to deal with grocery price-fixing using digital surveillance and more broadly take a stronger stand on addressing the affordability challenge that is impacting most Canadian households.