Manitoba government to make permanent cut to gas tax

WATCH: Year end interview with Wab Kinew Part 1 Maralee talks with Premier Wab Kinew as part of a year end sit-down interview.

Manitobans can expect to see a permanent change at the gas pump as early as next week.

In his year-end interview with CTV’s Maralee Caruso, Premier Wab Kinew confirmed his government will be making a permanent 10 per cent cut to the gas tax.

“We have heard loud and clear from Manitobans that this has been something that has made a difference,” Kinew said.

The permanent cut comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, exactly one year after the province launched its initial gas tax holiday which saw a 14-cent tax break.

“If it was up to me, the holiday would last forever,” Kinew said. “But to me, a permanent 10 per cent cut to the provincial fuel tax means that we have lower prices than most of western Canada, and we're still doing something tangible, something crunchy, to help you during this time of a high cost of living.”

Kinew also emphasized that Manitoba doesn’t “need that carbon tax here.”

“Give Manitobans a break,” he said. “We've seen what a difference it's made for your budget on the provincial level to get rid of the fuel tax. Imagine what would happen if that carbon tax got taken off to help you and your family.”