Taxpayers group urges Alberta to scrap 13-cent gas tax
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says the province's own rule to zero out the fuel tax when oil prices climbed was never enforced.
Why it matters
The outcome could directly affect fuel prices for Albertans as the federal tax suspension nears its Sept. 7 expiry.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) held a press conference in Gasoline Alley on Wednesday calling on the Alberta government to eliminate its provincial fuel tax, currently 13 cents per litre on gasoline and diesel, citing ongoing affordability concerns among residents.
CTF Alberta Director Kris Sims said the province's Alberta Energy Rebate, a $100 payment for eligible residents, has failed because applicants faced difficulties applying and were reluctant to share personal information such as selfies and banking details. She said the province had committed to dropping the fuel tax to zero if oil prices stayed above certain thresholds, between $80 and $90 US per barrel, but did not follow through.
On the federal side, the CTF is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to keep the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel at zero past Sept. 7, 2026, when the temporary suspension set in April is due to expire. Sims cited CTF-commissioned Leger polling showing more than 70 per cent of Canadians oppose reinstating the tax, with 43 per cent strongly opposed, 20 per cent somewhat opposed, 17 per cent somewhat supportive and eight per cent strongly supportive of an increase.
The Alberta Ministry of Treasury Board and Finance had not provided comment by publishing time but indicated a statement was being prepared.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.