The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is reminding taxpayers to fill up their vehicles tonight, Dec. 31, before Premier Wab Kinew hikes the fuel tax by 12.5 cents per litre on New Year’s Day.

“Taxpayers should head to the gas pump tonight to fill up one last time before they are hit with a huge gas tax hike,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “The premier shouldn’t be raising the fuel tax again because Manitobans can’t afford to pay hundreds of dollars more this year.”

The Manitoba government cut its 14 cent per litre gas tax in January 2024. The government announced it will hike the tax up by 12.5 cents per litre on Jan. 1, 2025.

Because of the tax hike, families will be paying about $9 in the gas tax every time they fill up a minivan and about $11 when they fill up a pick-up truck.

A Manitoba family filling up a minivan and a pick-up truck once every two weeks will pay $526 more in taxes next year because of the hike.

The premier has publicly stated that fuel taxes are an affordability issue.

“We have heard loud and clear from Manitobans that this has been something that has made a difference,” Kinew said in an interview with CTV News. “If it was up to me, the holiday would last forever.”

Manitoba’s fuel prices have been the lowest in the country since the tax was initially cut in January 2024. The NDP election platform says that the gas tax cut would remain in place “while inflation remains high.” 

“Life is still unaffordable for Manitoba taxpayers,” Haubrich said. “Kinew knows the gas tax cut was making life more affordable. He needs to reverse his tax hike plan and keep Manitobans saving.”