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Anna Thistle, Opposition Finance Critic and MHA for the District Grand
Falls-Buchans, is calling on the provincial government to bring forth some
relief in gas taxes paid by consumers in this province. Earlier today, gas
prices skyrocketed costing $1.10 or more per litre. As the price of gas
increases, government collects more HST for their coffers. With over 40 per
cent of the price of gas being direct or indirect tax, government is still
focused on taking every single cent possible from the pockets of
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
"I have been calling upon government to provide some relief on gas taxes
for several months," said Ms. Thistle. "With the budget fast approaching,
now would be an ideal time to return some of this tax money to consumers.
Government is making record profits from oil prices and now is the time to
stop raking profits on the backs of the people of this province.
"Two options government should consider in the upcoming budget is to
lower the provincial gas tax or remove the HST portion paid on gasoline.
Finance Minister Loyola Sullivan called for gas taxes to be reduced when he
was in Opposition, but because he is now making windfall profits he appears
unwilling to provide consumers with a break.
"Now is the time for action. Gas prices continue to increase and
government continues to reap the profits. For the minister to claim
government is losing money as oil prices increase is absolute hogwash. It is
time for the minister to be truthful and stop making excuses."
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