Montreal, QC: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released Leger polling showing that about three out of four Quebecers support reducing provincial gas taxes following the federal government’s temporary suspension of its gas tax.

“The poll is clear: A strong majority of Quebecers want Premier Christine Fréchette to cut provincial gas taxes and provide relief at the pump,” said Nicolas Gagnon, CTF Quebec Director. “Mark Carney recognized that families are under pressure, and Fréchette should follow his lead.”

The Leger poll asked Quebecers if they support or oppose Premier Christine Fréchette reducing provincial gas taxes after the federal government temporarily suspended its gas tax. 

Results of the poll show:

• 76 per cent support reducing provincial gas taxes
• 17 per cent oppose reducing provincial gas taxes
• 7 per cent are unsure

Among those who decided on the issue, 82 per cent support reducing provincial gas taxes.

The federal government has temporarily suspended its 10-cent-per-litre excise tax on gasoline until Labour Day.

The price of gasoline in Quebec is about $1.91 per litre, an increase of about 30 cents per litre since early March.

That federal tax break will save drivers about $7 every time they fill up a minivan and about $10 for a pickup truck.

Quebec drivers already pay multiple provincial taxes at the pump, including the fuel tax, the carbon tax and the Quebec sales tax applied on top of the other taxes.

Provincial taxes make up nearly 25 per cent of the total price at the pump.

A typical Quebec family pays about $12 in provincial fuel taxes every time they fill up a minivan and about $15 for a pickup truck.

Over a year, that family will pay about $700 in provincial fuel taxes if they fill up every two weeks.

“Quebecers are clearly saying they want tax relief and the premier has the power to deliver it right now,” Gagnon said. “Cutting provincial gas taxes would put money back in people’s pockets immediately.”

“Fréchette was elected on a promise to ease the financial pressure on families and this is her opportunity to act,” Gagnon said. “She should also scrap the carbon tax, which is driving up fuel prices and is now only paid by Quebecers.”