Premier Ford non committal on promise to cut gas tax
Posted February 22, 2022 5:15 pm.
Last Updated February 22, 2022 5:48 pm.
Cutting the price of gas by 10 cents per litre was a key 2018 election promise made by Premier Ford, but it’s one he’s yet to keep.
Nearly four years later, Ford said Tuesday that he will “look into” it.
Ford did eliminate the cap-and-trade system, a move that was intended to lower the price by 4.3 cents, but it triggered the federal carbon tax, negating the 4.3 cent cut.
But Ford promised as recently as last November to slash another 5.7 cents off the price of petrol before the next budget, technically keeping his election promise.
With the budget due in just weeks, Ford was asked for an update on when drivers should expect the reduction in the provincial gas tax.
“Well, we’re going to look into that,” he said. “We need to work collaboratively with the federal government.”
“I called out the Prime Minister. He needs to lower the taxes,” Ford said.
CityNews pressed treasury board president, Prabmeet Sarkaria, for more details.
“We’re going to continue to explore all options to make life more affordable for Ontarians” said Sarkaria.
“We’re going to continue, as the Premier has mentioned, looking at all options available.
As recently as last week those in the GTA were paying a record high for gas, above $1.61 a litre.
