FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                        March 8, 2022

WHITEHORSE – As Yukoners struggle under the weight of skyrocketing fuel prices, the Yukon Party Official Opposition is urging the Liberal government to follow the lead of other jurisdictions and provide temporary relief from the territorial fuel tax.

Leader Currie Dixon made the request on Tuesday on the floor of the Legislative Assembly during question period. The move would lower prices at the pumps, and help Yukoners as inflation continues to increase at a rapid pace.

“Alberta just announced they are pausing the collection of their fuel tax,” said Dixon. “The Saskatchewan NDP is calling for something similar in Saskatchewan, and the Liberal government in Newfoundland says that they are reviewing their fuel tax in advance of their budget. There is no reason why the Yukon Liberal government cannot do the same here.”

The 2022-2023 territorial budget released just last Thursday projects a surplus of $39.5 million dollars. The budget would still contain a surplus if the fuel tax were waived.

“The Liberal budget does nothing to address the growing inflation and affordability crisis in the territory,” Dixon said. “The reality is many Yukoners are now struggling to pay for their daily essentials and there is no relief in sight.”

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Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary
(867) 393-7026