Local MPs discuss floor crossers, a majority government and gasoline prices

By Lee Griffi

Oxford Conservative MP Arpan Khanna and Kitchener-Conestoga Liberal MP Tim Louis are normally on opposite sides of the fence when it comes to federal issues. What has happened recently is no exception – a reduction in gasoline taxes, floor crossers and now, a majority government after recent byelections.   

The Gazette spoke with Khanna just as a party caucus meeting finished last week. He said the party remains focused and stands behind its leader.

“We talked about the path forward. Obviously, the Liberals were able to manufacture a backroom, secret majority Canadians did not elect. I always believe the people are right when they go to the ballot box, but some of our MPs crossed the floor for personal gain,” Khanna said.

Khanna was particularly critical of Sarnia-area MP Marilyn Gladu, who served 10 and a half years with the Tories.

“She said in an interview this was a good move for her personally. When you put your name on a ballot, nothing you do should be good for you personally. It should be about doing good for your constituents and your country,” Khanna said.

Louis said the floor crossings could be the result of MPs being frustrated at being in the opposition seats for 11 years.

“The Conservative leader lost his own seat and is now losing members of his own caucus. With a majority government in place, their party has to decide what to do with their leader at this point,” Louis said. “We have welcomed MPs from the Conservatives and NDP who are already working and contributing to our caucus.”

Louis was first elected in 2019 and has only served in minority Liberal governments. He said while he is looking forward to having a majority, it will be business as usual for him.

“It doesn’t change the work I am doing. I still represent Kitchener-Conestoga and I am fulfilling my responsibilities in Ottawa. But it does change the tone, and it does change the pace.”

He added there will still be hearty debate and disagreement on issues of the day, but he expects the conversations will now be more focused.

“As a government, we are still willing to work with all parties, and good ideas come from them all. There is more posturing, grandstanding and obstruction in a minority situation. Now, as long as the government is willing to work across party lines, and I know we are, I think we can get more done.”

Khanna added the official opposition will continue to hold the government accountable when it comes to issues important to Canadians.

“The cost of living, crime, supporting our farmers and auto sector, and the fuel-cost discussion we had last week was a Conservative idea.”

The opposition pushed to remove all federal taxes on gasoline and diesel for the rest of the year. Specifically, they wanted to eliminate the federal fuel excise tax, the Clean Fuel Standard costs and the GST on fuel. Altogether, they argued this would cut prices by about 25 cents per litre.

The Carney government, instead, eliminated the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel, starting on April 20 and ending on Sept. 7. The move means a reduction of about 10 cents per litre for gasoline and four cents per litre on diesel.

Louis said gas prices have surged as a result of the Iranian-American conflict in the Middle East and his government is providing Canadians with a hand up.

“I think this is a temporary and responsible measure. It’s going to help families,” Louis said.

He added that, as a net exporter of oil, government coffers will be fuller, helping to offset the cost of the move.

“We’re going to take that money and basically give it back to Canadians. I think that is the responsible thing to do.”

Khanna said that while any relief at the pump for Canadians is welcome, the Liberals could have gone further and acted more quickly.

“We will take any tax relief, and we are the party of lower taxes,” Khanna said. “This should have happened a long time ago. We called for a gas tax holiday last summer because when energy costs are up, it forces people to decide if they want to visit loved ones and drives up the cost of food.”

He added the government should have taken the opposition’s advice and totally removed all gas taxes for the remainder of 2026.

“It would have saved the average family $1,200 by the end of the year. They cherry-pick our ideas, which is fine since imitation is one of the best forms of flattery, but this is not what Canadians want. They want to afford to fill up their cars and buy groceries.”