The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Premier Tim Houston to suspend Nova Scotia’s gas tax after the Prince Edward Island government suspended its fuel tax and the federal government extended its gas tax cut into 2027.

“Island drivers woke up Saturday to cheaper fuel because their premier suspended the gas tax, but Nova Scotians are still stuck paying some of the highest gas taxes in Canada,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director. “The feds cut their gas tax, P.E.I. suspended its gas tax and Alberta is slashing its gas tax to zero this week.

“Houston has run out of excuses and it’s time for him to suspend Nova Scotia’s gas tax too.”

P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz suspended his province’s fuel tax on Sept. 26, saving Islanders 8.47 cents per litre on gasoline and 14.15 cents per litre on diesel until Jan. 31, 2027.

The federal government suspended its 10-cent-per-litre gas tax and four-cent-per-litre diesel tax in April, then extended the relief until 2027. Alberta is cutting its 13-cent-per-litre gas tax to zero on Oct. 1. Newfoundland and Labrador passed legislation this year making its gas tax cut permanent.

The Nova Scotia government charges drivers a 15.5-cent-per-litre gas tax, the highest in Atlantic Canada. Houston has never cut it.

Suspending the provincial gas tax would save Nova Scotians almost $10 in taxes on a 64-litre minivan fill-up and more than $500 over a year of weekly fill-ups.

Even with the federal gas tax suspended, taxes make up 26 per cent of the price at the pumps in Nova Scotia, according to the CTF’s 28th annual Gas Tax Honesty Report.

Nova Scotia drivers also pay a tax-on-tax of about three cents per litre, because sales taxes are charged after all the per-litre taxes are added to the price.

“Ottawa, P.E.I., Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador have all delivered meaningful relief at the pumps,” said Drover. “Houston controls Nova Scotia’s gas tax and he needs to suspend it now.”