OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released estimates showing that extending the carbon tax pause to natural gas would save families about $1,100 over three years. 

“Families in Ontario and Western Canada are about to get hammered by the carbon tax this winter,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could save families hundreds of dollars every year by doing the right thing and extending his carbon tax break for all Canadians.” 

The federal government is removing the carbon tax from home heating oils for three years, but did not exempt other forms of home heating.

“Across Canada, fuel oil makes up just three per cent of residential heating energy,” according to the government of Nova Scotia. “Natural gas was the most commonly used energy source for residential heating.” 

The average home uses 2,385 cubic metres of natural gas per year, according to the Canadian Gas Association. That means removing the federal carbon tax from natural gas would save the average home about $300 this year and about $1,100 over three years. 

“Liberal MPs outside of Atlantic Canada must stand up for their constituents and demand Trudeau give all Canadians the relief we need,” Terrazzano said. “The fair and simple solution is for Trudeau to give all Canadians carbon tax relief.”

The Parliamentary Budget Officer shows the carbon tax will cost the average family up to $710 this year even after rebates.