(January 12, 2023, St. John’s) – Tony Wakeham, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, is once again calling for the Liberal government to take action on the cost of living crisis in the upcoming provincial budget, this time advocating for an extension of the temporary gas tax relief.

"In May 2022, following months of political and public pressure, the Liberals reluctantly reduced the provincial gas tax. However, the Liberals plan to increase the provincial gas tax on April 1, 2023. This will increase the cost of gasoline and diesel by 8 cents per liter," said Wakeham.

"In addition to an increase in gasoline tax, 2023 will also see an increase in the amount of Carbon Tax, and HST, charged on gasoline and diesel – all because the Liberals failed to stand up for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” continued Wakeham.

"Newfoundland and Labrador already has some of the highest gasoline prices in the Country with market experts suggesting that residents of this province will pay the most for gasoline in the country this year. Given the cost of living crisis, I am calling on the Liberals to commit to keeping the provincial gas tax reduced until 2024" recommended Wakeham.

“The Liberal government must use their upcoming budget to help ease the cost of living crisis in this province. It should not cost this much to live in our province.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca