Louis talks affordability measures as feds continue gas tax holiday
By Lee Griffi
Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis said his government is taking steps to make life more affordable for Canadians.
Louis, who has the long title of parliamentary secretary to the president of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and minister responsible for Canada-United States trade, intergovernmental affairs, internal trade and one Canadian economy, recently announced the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax would continue until Jan. 31, 2027. The government is also applying 50 per cent of the regular excise tax rate from Feb. 1 through March 31, 2027.
“Municipal vehicles keep our roads safe, clear snow and support the essential services residents rely on every day. Lowering the cost of fueling these vehicles helps municipalities manage their operating expenses and limit the pressure on local property taxpayers,” said Louis.
The federal fuel excise tax was temporarily suspended on April 20, saving Canadians 10 cents per litre on gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline, 11 cents per litre on leaded aviation gasoline, and four cents per litre on diesel and aviation fuel.
“Our government is taking practical steps to reduce costs while investing in long-term prosperity. Extending fuel tax relief is one of the measures helping families, workers and businesses navigate global economic uncertainty,” he said.
Louis said the trickle-down effect of high gasoline prices will not only help people at the pumps, but also those living in rural areas. He added the government has taken several measures to make life more affordable for those who need it.
“This is not the answer; it’s part of the solution to help with affordability. We also have the Canada Grocery and Essentials Benefit, affordable child care and dental care, and we lowered taxes for 22 million Canadians. On their own, each one can help, but compounded, we’re doing what’s in our control.”
The economy is currently extremely volatile as tariffs and trade disputes continue to have a negative effect. Louis explained the government has a two-pronged plan to help.
“We are providing investment capital liquidity to businesses, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, and protecting Canadian workers, especially in the tariff-affected sectors in southwestern Ontario. At the same time, we need to expand our trade with other countries.”
He added the government has signed trade agreements with several countries in the last year and a half, and he is part of the conversation to break down interprovincial trade barriers, a process that has been cumbersome and largely unsuccessful to date.
“Part of my portfolio is to work on trade within Canada and be our own best customer. We need to do all of these things at the same time; this is not sequential. These are the things that are in our control.”
The federal barriers to trade between the provinces have been removed and Louis said now it’s time for the provinces to do their part.
“Now we’re sitting down with the provinces and territories. Minister Dominic LeBlanc and I just came back from the Committee of Internal Trade meetings where we had representatives and premiers at the table. We worked chapter by chapter on the barriers which fall under goods, services and labour mobility.”
He added there has been some protectionism from different sectors in some provinces, but he believes there is a will to work towards solutions.
“We want to keep things simple with regulations in the transportation and labour mobility sectors. There are things we can do to make sure workers can go where the work is, goods can move freely throughout the country and customers can benefit from buying anything anywhere in Canada.”
The government has also cancelled the consumer carbon tax and brought in GST relief for first-time homebuyers of new homes.
“We cannot control the global forces driving up prices, but we can control how we respond. We are cutting taxes to help Canadians manage everyday expenses while building a stronger, more independent economy. That is how we build Canada strong for all,” said Louis.
He also explained it is a tremendous privilege and a big responsibility to be in his current role with the federal government, but said his priority remains representing the people of Kitchener-Conestoga.
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