Canadians say no to gas tax hike as Carney’s ‘relief measure’ set to expire

On last night’s episode of The Ezra Levant Show, Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), discussed a new poll showing most Canadians want Prime Minister Mark Carney’s temporary suspension of the federal gas tax to remain in place past its September 8 expiry.

According to a national Leger survey commissioned by the CTF, 63 per cent of Canadians oppose the upcoming gas tax hike, compared with just 26 per cent who support it.

Carney suspended the federal fuel tax in April, but the relief was always meant to be temporary. Come September, the tax is scheduled to return in full, adding roughly 10 cents a litre at the pump.

Terrazzano said the increase would cost the average family with a minivan close to $400 a year, and warned the tax also applies to diesel, driving up costs for truckers and farmers — and, in turn, the price of goods on store shelves.

Time to ramp up the pressure against the federal gas tax hike.

Carney plans to hike the federal gas tax back up next month.

That means you’ll pay more to drive to work and for everything trucked to store shelves.

Fight the gas tax hike! pic.twitter.com/aY0Nvm2dqO

— Franco Terrazzano (@franco_nomics) August 11, 2026

The poll found opposition to the hike cuts across every demographic, age group and province, though women and Canadians over 55 were more likely to oppose it. Those groups also tend to lean toward support for the Carney Liberals, Terrazzano added.

The CTF federal director called the fuel tax a regressive measure, noting it disproportionately hurts lower-income Canadians who spend a larger share of their income on gas and diesel. He pointed to the federal government’s own blockysis, which acknowledges the tax burden falls heaviest on those already experiencing energy poverty.

With byelections approaching and public opinion firmly against the hike, the CTF is urging Canadians to contact their MPs and the Prime Minister’s Office before the September 8 deadline.