The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is releasing its 2023-24 Newfoundland and Labrador pre-budget proposal, calling on the Furey government to lower the sales tax, extend gas tax relief, eliminate the pop tax and reduce the deficit.

“With Newfoundlanders and Labradorians facing decades-high inflation and soaring living costs, now is the time for tax relief,” said CTF Interim Atlantic Director Jay Goldberg. “Newfoundland and Labrador families are paying $1,000 more for groceries this year. Families need help and the Furey government can help by lowering taxes.”

The CTF’s proposal calls on the Furey government to reduce the provincial portion of the HST from 10 per cent to eight per cent, extend its temporary seven cent per litre gas tax cut for another year and scrap its 20 cent per litre pop tax.

“Newfoundland and Labrador families will have saved an average of $275 at the pumps by the end of the year thanks to the temporary gas tax cut introduced by Premier Andrew Furey in June,” said Goldberg.  “But come 2023, families will continue to need that crucial relief. Instead of allowing the tax cut to expire at the end of the year, Furey should extend relief for another twelve months. That could save families an additional $500 or more.”

The CTF’s proposal is also calling on the Furey government to implement the spending restraint recommended by the Premier’s Economic Recovery Team report. If those recommendations are implemented in full, taxpayers will save over half a billion dollars next year.

“Newfoundland and Labrador is now carrying more than $10 billion in debt and our kids are going to have to pay for it,” said Goldberg. “It’s time for meaningful government reform that will make the province more responsible, efficient and effective and save taxpayers money over the long term.”

The CTF’s full pre-budget proposal can be viewed HERE.