OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on governments to provide immediate tax relief following Statistics Canada’s report that shows annual inflation grew by nearly seven per cent.

“Politicians are asleep at the wheel while Canadians can’t afford groceries,” said Franco Terrazzano, the CTF’s Federal Director. “Politicians in other countries are making life more affordable, but Canadian politicians are hiking taxes.”

Consumer prices increased by 6.9 per cent year-over-year, according to Statistics Canada. The price of groceries grew by 11.4 per cent, which is the fastest annual growth since August 1981. 

The federal government recently increased gas taxes, payroll taxes and alcohol taxes. The federal government is also imposing a second carbon tax through fuel regulations beginning in July 2023. The government could save a family about $20 every time they fuel up their minivan by cutting federal gas tax.

The CTF identified 51 national governments that provided tax relief during the pandemic or to ease the burdens of inflation. 

A recent Ipsos poll shows that 72 per cent of Canadians say they pay too much taxes. 

“Other countries are providing their citizens with relief while Ottawa sticks Canadians with higher bills,” said Terrazzano. “Our politicians need to get off their butts, stop wasting so much money and cut taxes now.”