Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound conservative MP Alex Ruff has introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons.
Ruff introduced Bill C-358, An Act to Amend the Excise Tax (carbon pollution pricing), which would remove the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from the federal Liberal government’s carbon tax.
Ruff says in a statement, “With each passing day, more Canadians are feeling the affordability pinch as the rising costs of everyday goods become more and more expensive.”
He adds, “After many years of being subjected to the Liberal carbon tax without achieving a single emissions target, it is clear that the Liberal carbon tax is a tax plan, and it is hurting Canadians. The Liberal carbon tax on fuel, groceries, and home heating is bad enough but for GST to be charged afterwards just adds insult to injury.”
Ruff says, “Currently in Canada, the Liberal carbon tax is subject to the GST, which is effectively a tax on a tax. Bill C-358 will remove this double tax.”
He continues, “The positive impact of this legislation would be felt across the country, especially in rural areas, where cars, trucks, and tractors are not a choice, but a necessity. Since the Liberals won’t end their disastrous carbon tax, this is a common-sense Conservative affordability measure that will lower the cost of living for Canadians until we can axe the tax,” says Ruff.
Ruff anticipates it could be months before the bill comes up for debate. He says it’s difficult to know if it will get support from the Bloc Quebecois or NDP.
He says, “Lots of Canadians, lots of constituents have been complaining to me over the last four years that things are just getting more and more expensive and they don’t understand why they’re paying a tax on top of a tax. So by removing the GST off the Liberal carbon tax, it’s going to help every Canadian, especially those that live in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and across rural Canada by saving a few cents every time they’ve got to fill up at the pump, or fill up their propane or natural gas at home, or for any farmers that are using anything that’s getting nailed on the carbon tax as well out at their farms.”