REGINA — The Saskatchewan NDP made a motion to freeze fuel taxes with a provincial emergency order on Thursday, which was ultimately voted down by Saskatchewan Party members.
The proposed order called for the immediate suspension of provincial fuel tax collection for the first quarter of the upcoming fiscal year, similar to actions from Alberta and B.C. announced in recent weeks.
A statement from the NDP said the order’s purpose was to help alleviate pressure on Saskatchewan residents due to high gas prices currently at pumps.
“Saskatchewan families are stretched and struggling as they face crushing cost of living increases,” said Opposition finance critic Trent Wotherspoon. “While this government has windfall revenues as a result of soaring resource prices, they have so far chosen not to act.”
Wotherspoon introduced the order during the legislative session on March 31, with the intent to implement the change in advance of the new fiscal year beginning April 1.
The order was defined as urgent, requiring a unanimous passing vote from the gathered members of assembly, which ultimately did not pass. The NDP critiqued the vote, calling the Sask Party “out of touch” with the financial needs of the province’s public.
“This government has been given ample opportunities to step up, show some leadership and help the many families struggling with gas and groceries,” said Opposition leader Ryan Meili.
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