An increase in gasoline prices was no April Fool’s joke for motorists filling up on April 1, as the federal government’s carbon tax kicked in across Saskatchewan.
The federal government imposed a carbon tax on provinces — Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick — that refused to implement their own pricing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The tax on GHG emissions starts at $20 per tonne this year and increases by $10 each year until it reaches $50 per tonne in 2022.
After accounting for GST, the carbon tax adds 4.6 cents to every litre of gasoline; 5.5 cents to every litre of diesel; and 3.9 cents to every cubic litre of natural gas.
Most gas stations around Moose Jaw were charging $1.146 per litre for gasoline early on April 1, but by noon, had increased their prices to $1.193 per litre.
“It’s an ouch today,” said Kathy Bumphrey as she filled up her vehicle at the Superstore gas bar. “I knew it was coming because I heard it on the news (the day before). But when I came to fill up, (the reaction was), ‘Ah!’”
Bumphrey is on the fence with the imposition of a carbon tax. She thinks such a tax is a “necessary evil,” but believes Canadians overpay in their everyday activities when other bigger countries are not paying as much or at all for their carbon emissions.
Bumphrey relies on a set budget in her household, so the carbon tax will likely eat into that, she said. She will probably not eat out as much at restaurants or go to the movies as often due to this additional cost.
“I’m not getting paid more (with) a raise, but I am paying more in gas,” she said, adding while she does work in Regina, she carpools with others to save money.
Paul Ellis also stopped at the Superstore gas bar to fill up his vehicle. He pointed out he doesn’t think anyone wants to pay more taxes, but personally believes it’s important to protect the environment.
“If the money goes to knocking down greenhouse gases, then it is probably worth it,” Ellis said. He doesn’t think the additional charge on gasoline will change his driving habits, since his household now relies on one vehicle instead of two.
Ellis joked that the price of gas still looks good, compared to when it was $1.50 per litre a few years ago.
According to gasbuddy.com, the cheapest gas in Moose Jaw is $1.146 per litre at the 7-Eleven on Caribou Street, while the most expensive is $1.195 at the Shell on the North Service Road.
