The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released Leger polling showing 77 per cent of Manitobans want the government’s fuel tax cut to be extended.

“The numbers are clear: more than three-quarters of Manitobans want the government to keep gas more affordable,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “Drivers have been saving money at the pumps for almost two months and don’t want those savings to disappear.”

The Manitoba government cut the 14 cent per litre provincial fuel tax on gasoline and diesel on Jan. 1. The cut is currently scheduled to be in place for six months.

The Leger poll asked Manitobans if they support extending the fuel tax cut an additional six months and if they supported eliminating the fuel tax permanently.

Results of the poll show:

• More than three-quarters of Manitobans (77 per cent) support extending the fuel tax suspension for another six months;
   
• Seven-in-ten (71 per cent) of Manitobans support scrapping the fuel tax for good.

A two-vehicle family that fills up a sedan once a week and a minivan every two weeks will save at least $342 over the course of the initial six-month cut. Extending the cut for an additional six months will save that family $684.

“Manitobans clearly don’t want their taxes to go up,” said Haubrich. “Premier Wab Kinew needs to listen to the people and extend the gas tax cut in the next provincial budget.”