Montreal ranks fourth amongst Canadian cities with the very best gasoline taxes within the nation, a scenario that will not be eased by Quebec’s worth flooring, based on one group.
In accordance with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s (FCC) annual report on tax transparency on the pump, metro Quebec’s gasoline taxes account for 33% of the value paid by motorists.
Montreal nonetheless lags behind Vancouver (39%) and Victoria (36%), in addition to the remainder of British Columbia (37%) the place the tax share is increased.
For the FCC, the primary downside could be the minimal worth for gasoline supplied in Quebec, setting a authorized minimal worth for the sale of petroleum merchandise for every area of the province.
“This apply not solely artificially will increase the value on the pump that’s handed on to motorists, but in addition prevents fuel stations from being extra aggressive and providing higher costs,” FCC Quebec director Nicolas Gagnon stated on Monday.
If the fuel station proprietor sells his merchandise beneath this fastened worth, he might then obtain a reminder. In accordance with the Régie de l’énergie, 547 formal notifications have been acquired in 2021-2022 for that reason.
“The quite a few taxes and the value of fuel are obstacles that severely pressure the wallets of households in Quebec,” argued Mr. Gagnon.
“If François Legault cares about their scenario, he ought to take into consideration emulating Alberta or Ontario, which supply motorists aid by reducing their gasoline tax within the province,” he added.