News Release
Office of the Official Opposition
 

Questions surround Federal gas tax statements
February 6, 2004

George Sweeney, Opposition Government Services and Lands critic and MHA for Carbonear - Harbour Grace, has called upon government to condemn any attempt by the federal government to increase gasoline taxes to pay for GST rebates. Federal Environment Minister, David Anderson, has publicly speculated about an extra federal environment tax on gasoline to fight smog and other emission related pollution.

"It is our understanding that a possible plan to pay for the gasoline tax rebate promised by the federal government will be through increasing the federal gas tax," said Sweeney. "That way, the federal government still keeps all the money it had before and the tax increase pays for the municipal rebate."

"Danny Williams and the provincial government must come out strongly against this form of increased federal taxes. Otherwise, drivers all over rural Newfoundland and Labrador will pay an extra federal tax on gasoline to try to reduce smog in downtown Toronto."

Media Contact:
Jeff Mackey
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427