The Saskatchewan Party has voted against a motion put forward by the NDP to reduce the provincial gas tax.
The motion, which was introduced by NDP MLA Trent Wotherspoon, called for a 4.5 cent per litre reduction in the gas tax. This would have brought the total tax down to 15 cents per litre, the same rate as neighbouring Alberta.
However, the motion was voted down by the Saskatchewan Party, with Premier Scott Moe stating that the province could not afford to lose the revenue from the gas tax.
In response, Wotherspoon argued that the tax reduction would have provided much-needed relief for struggling families and businesses, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The NDP also pointed out that Saskatchewan currently has the highest gas tax in the country, and reducing it would bring much-needed relief to residents who are already facing financial challenges.
Despite the NDP’s arguments, the Saskatchewan Party remained firm in their decision to keep the gas tax at its current rate.
This decision has sparked criticism from the opposition, with Wotherspoon stating that the Saskatchewan Party is out of touch with the struggles of everyday people.
The vote also comes at a time when gas prices in the province are on the rise, with some areas seeing prices as high as $1.40 per litre.
The Saskatchewan Party has defended their decision, stating that the gas tax is necessary to fund important infrastructure projects and maintain the province’s budget.
As the debate over the gas tax continues, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the people of Saskatchewan and their wallets.
