English
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has unveiled a plan to eliminate federal taxes on diesel fuel and strengthen Canada’s long-term energy self-sufficiency. Poilievre made the announcement Sunday at a suburban Ottawa gas station, calling for immediate relief at the pump for farmers, truckers and everyday Canadians.
Poilievre’s Diesel Tax Cut Proposal
The Conservative plan calls for extending the full federal fuel excise tax cut until July 1 of next year. It also proposes removing the GST from fuel purchases entirely. Together, these measures would eliminate all federal tax on diesel sales until at least Canada Day.
Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.
The federal government introduced a temporary suspension of the fuel excise tax in April, as global fuel prices climbed. Ottawa later extended that suspension through January. From February 1 through March 31, 2027, the government plans to collect 50 per cent of the regular excise tax rate. Poilievre argues this partial relief does not go far enough.
“When farmers and truckers pay more, the price gets passed on to you,” Poilievre said. “Why aren’t we using our oil to power our people? We should be energy independent, and you, the Canadian family, should enjoy the price savings from that.”
Tackling Production Costs and Refinery Capacity
Beyond tax cuts at the pump, Poilievre also wants to reduce costs at the production level. He proposes permanently scrapping the federal industrial carbon tax and the Clean Fuel Standard. He says both policies add costs to diesel production and discourage new investment in refineries.
In addition, the Conservatives want to exclude refineries from the federal impact assessment process. However, the party stresses this would not remove environmental protections. Refineries would still need to follow federal rules on pollution, wastewater, leaks and monitoring, as well as all applicable provincial environmental laws and permits.
The Conservatives also note that Canada already produces enough diesel to meet national demand. However, transportation bottlenecks currently leave some regions dependent on imports from the United States. The broader plan aims to expand refining capacity, help refineries process more Canadian crude oil, and build the infrastructure needed to supply every region of the country.
Energy Independence at the Centre of the Argument
Poilievre framed the proposal as part of a wider push for Canadian energy independence. He rejected any suggestion that Canada should move away from diesel in the near term.
“Affordable fuel is one of the most important pillars to defeat poverty, enrich our middle class and make our country self-reliant,” he said. “I do not want to phase out Canadian oil and gas. I want to produce more of it and at a lower price.”
Meanwhile, the office of Prime Minister Mark Carney did not respond to a request for comment on the Conservative proposals.
