The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the Houston government to cut the gas tax after Nova Scotia’s representative in the federal cabinet said the province was free to do so without facing retaliatory measures.

“The Houston government can cut gas taxes without any fear of retaliation from Ottawa,” said CTF Interim Atlantic Director Jay Goldberg. “Now the Houston government needs deliver a much-needed gas tax cut immediately.”

Federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser stated the Trudeau government would not reduce federal transfer payments should the Houston government decide to cut the provincial gas tax. Nova Scotia Finance Minister Allan MacMaster previously claimed that would occur.

“The Houston government cannot use the feds as an excuse not to cut gas taxes anymore,” said Goldberg. “Fraser was clear: the province is free to reduce taxes at the pumps and will not be punished for doing so. Now it’s time for the Houston government to act.”

Nova Scotia’s provincial gas tax is 15.5 cents per litre. Other provinces, such as Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, have cut their gas excise taxes without federal retaliation.

The federal government continues to drive up gas prices through its carbon tax backstop, which will increase gas prices every year until 2030.