SASKATOON, SK: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released Leger polling showing 70 per cent of Canadians support a carbon tax exemption on propane and natural gas for farmers.

“The poll is clear: the vast majority of Canadians want the government to get farmers relief from the carbon tax,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “Canadians know that keeping costs down for farmers helps lower costs at the grocery store for all of us.”

The federal government exempts its carbon tax from gasoline and diesel used on farms. Members of Parliament are currently considering Bill C-234, which extends the carbon-tax exemption to include natural gas and propane used on farms. Farmers use these fuels to dry grain and heat barns.

The Leger poll asked Canadians if they support taking the carbon tax off natural gas and propane used by farmers.

Results of the poll show:

• 39 per cent strongly support
• 31 per cent somewhat support
• 8 per cent somewhat oppose
• 7 per cent strongly oppose
• 15 per cent don’t know

Without any relief, the carbon tax on natural gas and propane will cost farmers $1 billion by 2030, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

“MPs need to get farmers and families relief now and take the carbon tax off all farm fuels,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “Ottawa needs to listen to Canadians and stop charging farmers carbon taxes that make all of our lives more expensive.”