Conservatives Introduce Emergency Fuel Relief Plan

Ottawa, ON – Grant Jackson, Member of Parliament for Brandon–Souris, is calling on the Liberal government to adopt the Conservative Emergency Fuel Relief Plan to deliver affordable fuel today and greater Canadian self-reliance tomorrow.

“For 11 years, the Liberals have blocked and delayed Canadian energy projects, leaving us with fewer ways to refine our oil and get Canadian fuel to Canadian markets,” said Jackson.

“It’s time to cut the taxes driving up costs and build the infrastructure we need to become more self-reliant.”

On September 28, diesel cost approximately 31 cents more per litre in Canada than the world average and 24 cents more than the U.S. average, with all prices measured in Canadian dollars.

“Here in Westman, diesel powers the equipment that grows our food and the trucks that get it to market,” said Jackson. “Higher fuel bills put pressure on farmers and businesses, and those costs reach families at the grocery store.”

Under the Conservative Emergency Fuel Relief Plan, the federal government would:

• Eliminate all federal taxes on diesel sales until at least Canada Day 2027, including removing the GST and extending the existing federal excise tax relief.

• Permanently scrap the federal industrial carbon tax and Clean Fuel Standard to reduce costs associated with diesel production.

• Create “Shovel-Ready Zones” for refineries, fuel storage and transportation infrastructure, with federal permitting decisions for refinery construction and expansion made within six months.

• Allow businesses to deduct 100 per cent of investments in diesel production and distribution in the first year.

• Establish a strategic reserve of Canadian gasoline and diesel to protect Canadians during major supply disruptions.

The plan aims to eliminate the diesel price gap with the United States within five years by expanding Canadian refining capacity and improving the infrastructure needed to supply every region with Canadian fuel. Projects would continue to meet applicable safety and environmental requirements.

“Canada has the resources and skilled workers to produce more of the fuel we need,” Jackson concluded. “I am calling on the Prime Minister to work with Conservatives to bring down costs for families and build a stronger, more self-reliant Canada.”

Read the full Emergency Fuel Relief Plan.

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