Amherst, NS – Richard Bragdon, Conservative Shadow Minister for Atlantic Economic Development, released the following statement calling on the Liberal government to support the Conservative Emergency Fuel Relief Plan:

“Conservatives will cut diesel taxes and produce more fuel here at home to save Atlantic Canadians money, protect jobs and make Canada affordable and self-reliant.

“For fishermen hauling traps, farmers harvesting crops and families heating their homes, affordable fuel is essential. Higher diesel prices make it more expensive to earn a living, put food on the table and keep warm this winter.

“Canada has the oil, the workers and the know-how to produce more of the fuel we need. Yet Atlantic Canadians remain heavily dependent on imported refined fuel, leaving their livelihoods exposed to supply disruptions abroad.

“Years of Liberal taxes, red tape and delays have held back Canadian energy projects and left Canadians paying more. We should put our workers to work refining more fuel here at home, earning Canadian paycheques and strengthening our energy supply.

“Atlantic Canadians cannot heat their homes with another government announcement. They need lower bills.

“This Wednesday, Conservatives will bring our Emergency Fuel Relief Plan to Parliament. The Liberals should support it to save Canadians money today and fuel ourselves tomorrow.

“Our plan will fight for:

  • Fuel Relief – Eliminate federal diesel taxes and scrap the industrial carbon tax to bring down costs for workers, producers and families.
  • Refining – Fast-track refining and fuel infrastructure projects to strengthen domestic capacity and reduce dependence on outside suppliers.
  • Reserves – Build a strategic reserve of refined fuel to protect Canadians from supply disruptions and market shocks.
  • Investment – Introduce a 100 per cent first-year write-off for investments that expand Canada’s fuel production and distribution capacity.
  • Reinvestment – Eliminate capital gains taxes on money reinvested into Canadian refining, transportation and fuel storage infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure – Establish pre-permitted, shovel-ready zones so critical energy projects can move forward without years of delays.

“Together with our Big Plan for Small Towns, this plan will help Atlantic Canada’s fisheries, farms, forests and small businesses grow. When we let Canadians produce more of what the world needs, we create jobs and opportunities in the communities that built this country.

“Atlantic Canadians should be able to earn a good living, raise a family and build a future in the towns they call home.

“Conservatives will fight to make that possible: lower fuel bills, bigger paycheques and an affordable, self-reliant Canada.”