Alberta gasoline tax cuts urged by Canadian Taxpayers Federation

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is urging Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to roll back gasoline taxes instead of maintaining the current energy rebate program. CTF Alberta director Kris Sims characterized the government's $100 rebate initiative as a failure, noting that approximately one-third of eligible Albertans have utilized the program.

Critics of the rebate program have cited difficulties with the complex online application process, particularly for older residents, and expressed concerns regarding the extensive personal data required, such as banking information and photos of driver’s licenses.

The CTF is also calling for the enforcement of existing legislation that mandates the suspension of the 13 cent per litre fuel tax when oil prices exceed US$90 per barrel, and partial cuts when prices surpass US$80 per barrel. Currently, the fuel tax is applied alongside federal sales and carbon taxes.