Taxpayers Federation calls on all Canadian governments to freeze taxes

Author: 2020/03/23

Tax relief must form a key part of governments’ economic rescue efforts
Tax hikes should be postponed for the duration of coronavirus crisis, including the planned federal carbon tax hike scheduled for April 1
Federal parliamentarians should also forego pay hike planned for April 1

OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation today called on governments across Canada to postpone any planned tax hikes for the duration of the coronavirus crisis, including the planned April 1 increase in the federal carbon tax.

“This is an unprecedented global crisis, and the immediate focus of governments is ensuring the health and safety of Canadians,” said CTF Federal Director Aaron Wudrick. “As they contemplate various measures as part of an economic rescue effort to assist Canadians through this challenging situation, minimizing the tax burden must be a central element.”

Wudrick noted that various taxes, including the federal carbon tax, are also scheduled to rise on April 1 and should be postponed.

“With many Canadian businesses shuttered and millions of people losing income, the last thing Canadians need right now are higher taxes driving up the costs they still face,” noted Wudrick. “Speed is of the essence, and tax relief has the clear benefit of being simple and instantaneous.”

Wudrick also called on federal parliamentarians to forego their scheduled pay increase on April 1.

“I am sure all parliamentarians would agree that this is the wrong time for politicians to get a salary bump when millions of Canadians are struggling,” said Wudrick.

A Note for our Readers:

As you may know, we're working hard to stop Prime Minister Trudeau's attempt to add a 2nd carbon tax upon Canadian taxpayers. If you are against this tax, would you take a moment today to read and consider signing the petition below?

When you do, your name will be added to the growing list of tens of thousands across our country who want to tell the government that we are opposed to these new taxes. Please take a moment to read the petition below and consider signing it today.

To Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

The federal government is introducing new fuel standard regulations to require industry to reduce the carbon content of fossil fuels. If industry can’t meet the standard, they’ll have to pay Trudeau's second carbon tax. This tax will ultimately hit already struggling families and businesses.

It’s bad enough that taxpayers are already paying for one carbon tax. Canadians certainly can’t afford a second carbon tax.

We, the undersigned, call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to scrap plans for a second carbon tax.