Ottawa, ON – Shuvaloy Majumdar, Conservative Shadow Minister for Canada-United States Relations; Carol Anstey, Conservative Shadow Minister for Energy and Natural Resources; and John Barlow, Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food, released the following statement on Conservative demands for a Diesel Price Relief Action Plan:
“After reports that Washington may restrict diesel exports, Prime Minister Mark Carney must act to secure our fuel supply and protect farmers, businesses and families from higher costs. That is why today, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on the Liberals to introduce a Diesel Price Relief Action Plan.
“Diesel powers the tractors that grow our food, the trucks and trains that deliver it, and the pickups Canadian workers drive every day. Higher fuel costs mean bigger grocery bills, with a single combine already using more than $1,100 worth of diesel per day.
“The Iran War has had an impact, but domestic policies are to blame for Canadians paying 41 cents more than the world average for diesel, and 32 cents more than the Americans. We have the world’s fourth-largest oil reserves. Why are Canadians paying more to fill up?
“It should never have come to this. For 11 years, the Liberals have blocked and delayed Canadian energy projects instead of building pipelines to carry Canadian crude and diesel across our country, expanding Canadian energy production and building a strategic reserve to protect us during shortages.
“For decades, Canada has exported crude oil to the United States, only to buy it back as gasoline and diesel at a profit for American companies. Our weak dollar makes those imports even more expensive, while our lack of refining capacity leaves Canadians paying more.
“More Canadian fuel, more ways to get it to Canadians, and supply set aside for emergencies would have made us more self-reliant. We would be in a stronger position to meet our own needs, supply our allies and negotiate with Washington and the world.
“Our diesel, for our people.
“The US President’s bluster about a diesel export ban may amount to nothing, but we should always strive to be independent, sovereign and use our own energy here at home. To accomplish this, and to save Canadians money, Conservatives are calling for an emergency Diesel Price Relief Action Plan, that:
- Eliminates all taxes on diesel until at least Canada Day and;
- Provides emergency pre-permitting and tax relief for fuel refining and transportation infrastructure.
“Canadians need fuel to bring in the harvest and get to work. They cannot afford a government that waits for a shortage before making a plan.
“Conservatives will fight to produce more Canadian energy, save Canadians money and restore the promise of an affordable, safe and independent country.”