A drop in the price of gasoline which will have to wait

The Holt government is postponing one of its major election promises until 2025, namely to eliminate the increase linked to the cost of carbon on the price of gasoline and diesel.

The previous government amended a law, which had the effect of allowing oil companies to pass on the cost of the federal regulations on clean fuels to consumers. By July 2023, this had translated into an increase of around 6 cents at the pump.

In her speech from the throne, Susan Holt committed to removing this mark-up tool, also called carbon adjuster .

She also said that if that wasn’t enough to bring prices down, she would consider eliminating fuel price regulations.

Concerned retailers

On Tuesday, the Liberals voted to delay second reading of the bill and send it to the Standing Committee on Law Amendments for public consultation.

Parliamentary leader Marco LeBlanc says he has heard from small retailers concerned about their profit margins.

Over the past few weeks, we have taken the time to speak with a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring that every voice – particularly those of our small and rural retailers – is heardhe said.

Collaboration with the Progressive Conservatives

Marco LeBlanc also thanked the Progressive Conservative opposition for the constructive dialogue which allowed the government to refine its approach to ensure that the legislation is the most complete and effective.

Blue MP Kris Austin applauded the cautious approach.

We showed the government that this law should not be adopted without an appropriate studyhe said.

For his part, the leader of the Green Party, David Coon, is worried that the bill will be buried in Law Amendment Cemetery.

Based on a report by Jacques Poitras of CBC