Federal gas tax cut draws mixed reaction at Winnipeg stations

Winnipeg drivers have a mixed response to a temporary federal cut on fuel taxes. CTV’s Jeff Keele has more.

Manitoba drivers are reacting to the federal government’s announcement suspending the federal excise tax on fuel, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered the news Tuesday, shortly after his government swept three by-elections to secure a majority government.

“This will remove up to ten cents per litre on gasoline and four cents per litre on diesel fuel,” Carney said. The tax holiday runs from April 20 to Sept. 7, 2026.

Driver Stu Fraser says he’ll welcome the relief at the pump.

“Well, it’s better than a kick in the head,” said Fraser, who noted that high prices driven by the Iran war have been causing sticker shock. “Terrible — I don’t know what to say about it.”

Driver Paul Wiens says a long-term solution is needed and views the move as political posturing.

“I don’t think it’s going to make a big difference,” he said.

Still, Gage Haubrich of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation calls the cut a good first step.

“You’ll be saving about seven dollars every single time you fill up the minivan, or about ten bucks when you fill up a pickup truck,” he said, adding that the province should follow suit and eliminate the 12.5-cent-per-litre provincial tax.

Premier Wab Kinew has floated the idea, but nothing appears certain yet. A provincial spokesperson says the province continues to monitor gas prices.

Truckers are feeling the pinch even more, with diesel hovering around two dollars per litre. Aaron Dolyniuk of the Manitoba Trucking Association says the four-cent cut won’t have a major impact.

“Over time, it’s going to save everybody a little bit of money,” said Dolyniuk.