SASKATOON — The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has released polling showing 64 per cent of Saskatchewanians want the provincial government to stop collecting the federal carbon tax on farms.
“A clear majority of Saskatchewanians want the government to stop collecting the federal carbon tax on farms,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director.
“Premier Scott Moe should listen to the majority of Saskatchewanians and get farmers a break on the federal carbon tax.”
On Jan. 1, the provincial government stopped collecting the federal carbon tax on home heating. The move came after the federal government stopped collecting carbon taxes on furnace oil, which is predominantly used in Atlantic Canada.
The Saskatchewan government estimates that the move to stop collecting the federal carbon tax on home heating will save families about $400 per year.
The poll asked Saskatchewanians if they support the government extending its policy to stop collecting the federal carbon tax from farmers.
Results of the poll show:
- 43 per cent strongly support
- 22 per cent somewhat support
- 10 per cent somewhat oppose
- 15 per cent strongly oppose
- 11 per cent don’t know/prefer not to say
The federal government provides a carbon tax exemption on gasoline and diesel used on farms. However, farmers still pay the carbon tax on natural gas and propane used to dry grain and heat barns.
Bill C-234 is a piece of currently being debated in Ottawa that would remove the federal carbon tax from natural gas and propane used on farms.
Bill C-234 was originally two years ago and has been passed by the House of Commons twice with support from all parties, but has yet to become law due to the Senate.
Farmers often pay every month in the federal carbon tax, according to the Agriculture Carbon Alliance.
“Saskatchewanians and the premier know how much the carbon tax costs Saskatchewan farmers,” said Haubrich. “The government should be doing whatever it can to help keep costs down for farmers.”
